Surgical stapler with anvil seating detection

ABSTRACT

A surgical circular stapler has a handle assembly, a shaft, a stapling assembly, and a firing assembly. The shaft extends distally from the handle assembly. The stapling assembly is secured to a distal end of the shaft. Longitudinal translation of the firing assembly causes the stapling assembly to drive a plurality of staples in a circular array to secure two lumens of tissue together. The stapling assembly may further drive a blade to sever any excess tissue interior of the circular array of staples. The stapler further includes a lockout assembly configured to control firing of the stapling assembly. The lockout assembly may include one or more switches, the actuation of which is configured to prevent or permit firing of the stapling assembly. The lockout assembly may additionally or alternatively include one or more mechanical lockout features configured to control firing of the stapling assembly.

BACKGROUND

In some surgical procedures (e.g., colorectal, bariatric, thoracic,etc.), portions of a patient's digestive tract (e.g., thegastrointestinal tract and/or esophagus, etc.) may be cut and removed toeliminate undesirable tissue or for other reasons. Once the tissue isremoved, the remaining portions of the digestive tract may be coupledtogether in an end-to-end anastomosis. The end-to-end anastomosis mayprovide a substantially unobstructed flow path from one portion of thedigestive tract to the other portion of the digestive tract, withoutalso providing any kind of leaking at the site of the anastomosis.

One example of an instrument that may be used to provide an end-to-endanastomosis is a circular stapler. Some such staplers are operable toclamp down on layers of tissue, cut through the clamped layers oftissue, and drive staples through the clamped layers of tissue tosubstantially seal the layers of tissue together near the severed endsof the tissue layers, thereby joining the two severed ends of theanatomical lumen together. The circular stapler may be configured tosever the tissue and seal the tissue substantially simultaneously. Forinstance, the circular stapler may sever excess tissue that is interiorto an annular array of staples at an anastomosis, to provide asubstantially smooth transition between the anatomical lumen sectionsthat are joined at the anastomosis. Circular staplers may be used inopen procedures or in endoscopic procedures. In some instances, aportion of the circular stapler is inserted through a patient'snaturally occurring orifice.

Examples of circular staplers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,459,entitled

“Surgical Anastomosis Stapling Instrument,” issued April 27, 1993; U.S.Pat. No. 5,271,544, entitled “Surgical Anastomosis Stapling Instrument,”issued Dec. 21, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,322, entitled “SurgicalAnastomosis Stapling Instrument,” issued Jan. 4, 1994; U.S. Pat. No.5,285,945, entitled “Surgical Anastomosis Stapling Instrument,” issuedFeb. 15, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,053, entitled “Surgical AnastomosisStapling Instrument,” issued Mar. 8, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,773,entitled “Surgical Anastomosis Stapling Instrument,” issued Aug. 2,1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,104, entitled “Surgical Anastomosis StaplingInstrument,” issued Sep. 27, 1994; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,661, entitled“Surgical Anastomosis Stapling Instrument,” issued Jul. 9, 1996; andU.S. Pat. No. 8,910,847, entitled “Low Cost Anvil Assembly for aCircular Stapler,” issued Dec. 16, 2014. The disclosure of each of theabove-cited U.S. Patents is incorporated by reference herein.

Some circular staplers may include a motorized actuation mechanism.Examples of circular staplers with motorized actuation mechanisms aredescribed in U.S. Pub. No. 2015/0083772, entitled “Surgical Stapler withRotary Cam Drive and Return,” published Mar. 26, 2015; U.S. Pub. No.2015/0083773, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument with Drive AssemblyHaving Toggle Features,” published Mar. 26, 2015; U.S. Pub. No.2015/0083774, entitled “Control Features for Motorized Surgical StaplingInstrument,” published Mar. 26, 2015; and U.S. Pub. No. 2015/0083775,entitled “Surgical Stapler with Rotary Cam Drive,” published Mar. 26,2015. The disclosure of each of the above-cited U.S. Patent Publicationsis incorporated by reference herein.

While various kinds of surgical stapling instruments and associatedcomponents have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior tothe inventor(s) has made or used the invention described in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims which particularly pointout and distinctly claim this technology, it is believed this technologywill be better understood from the following description of certainexamples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in whichlike reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary circular stapler;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the circular stapler of FIG. 1,with a battery pack removed from a handle assembly and an anvil removedfrom a stapling head assembly;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the anvil of the circular staplerof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts another perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 depicts an exploded side elevational view of the anvil of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the stapling head assembly of thecircular stapler of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 depicts an exploded perspective view of the stapling headassembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 depicts an exploded perspective view of the circular stapler ofFIG. 1, with portions of the shaft assembly shown separately from eachother;

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the handle assembly of the circularstapler of FIG. 1, with a housing half omitted to reveal internalcomponents of the handle assembly;

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a bracket of the handle assemblyof FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of an indicator member of the handleassembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12A depicts a perspective view of an anvil actuation assembly ofthe circular stapler of FIG. 1, an actuation rod in a first position;

FIG. 12B depicts a perspective view of the anvil actuation assembly ofFIG. 12A, with the actuation rod moved to a second position to engagethe bracket of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12C depicts a perspective view of the anvil actuation assembly ofFIG. 12A, with the actuation rod moved to a third position to retractthe bracket of FIG. 10 proximally;

FIG. 12D depicts a perspective view of the anvil actuation assembly ofFIG. 12A, with a safety trigger pivoted from a first position to asecond position;

FIG. 12E depicts a perspective view of the anvil actuation assembly ofFIG. 12A, with a firing trigger pivoted from a first position to asecond position;

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of a stapling head actuation assemblyof the circular stapler of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of a cam follower of the staplinghead actuation assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 depicts another perspective view of the cam follower of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of a rotary cam of the stapling headactuation assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 depicts another perspective view of the rotary cam of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18A depicts a side elevational view of the stapling head actuationassembly of FIG. 13, with the rotary cam in a first angular position andthe cam follower in a first pivotal position;

FIG. 18B depicts a side elevational view of the stapling head actuationassembly of FIG. 13, with the rotary cam in a second angular positionand the cam follower in a second pivotal position;

FIG. 19A depicts a perspective view of the rotary cam of FIG. 16, arocker member, and a stop switch, with the rotary cam in a first angularposition and the rocker member in a first pivotal position;

FIG. 19B depicts a perspective view of the rotary cam of FIG. 16, therocker member of FIG. 19A, and the stop switch of FIG. 19A, with therotary cam in a fourth angular position and the rocker member in asecond pivotal position;

FIG. 20A depicts a schematic end view of the rotary cam of FIG. 16, thecam follower of FIG. 14, and the rocker member of FIG. 19A, with therotary cam in the first angular position, the cam follower in the firstpivotal position, and the rocker member in the first pivotal position;

FIG. 20B depicts a schematic end view of the rotary cam of FIG. 16 andthe cam follower of FIG. 14, with the rotary cam in the second angularposition, the cam follower in the second pivotal position, and therocker member of FIG. 19A in the first pivotal position;

FIG. 20C depicts a schematic end view of the rotary cam of FIG. 16 andthe cam follower of FIG. 14, with the rotary cam in a third angularposition, the cam follower in the second pivotal position, and therocker member of FIG. 19A in the first pivotal position;

FIG. 20D depicts a schematic end view of the rotary cam of FIG. 16, thecam follower of FIG. 14, and the rocker member of FIG. 19A, with therotary cam in a fourth angular position, the cam follower in a thirdpivotal position, and the rocker member in a second pivotal position;

FIG. 21A depicts a cross-sectional side view of the anvil of FIG. 3positioned within a first section of a digestive tract and the staplinghead assembly of FIG. 6 positioned in a second section of the digestivetract, with the anvil separated from the stapling head assembly;

FIG. 21B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the anvil of FIG. 3positioned within the first section of the digestive tract and thestapling head assembly of FIG. 6 positioned in the second section of thedigestive tract, with the anvil secured to the stapling head assembly;

FIG. 21C depicts a cross-sectional side view of the anvil of FIG. 3positioned within the first section of the digestive tract and thestapling head assembly of FIG. 6 positioned in the second section of thedigestive tract, with the anvil retracted toward the stapling headassembly to thereby clamp tissue between the anvil and the stapling headassembly;

FIG. 21D depicts a cross-sectional side view of the anvil of FIG. 3positioned within the first section of the digestive tract and thestapling head assembly of FIG. 6 positioned in the second section of thedigestive tract, with the stapling head assembly actuated to sever andstaple the clamped tissue;

FIG. 21E depicts a cross-sectional side view of the first and secondsections of the digestive tract of FIG. 21A joined together at anend-to-end anastomosis;

FIG. 22A depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of anexemplary alternative circular stapler, with a contact switch of thecircular stapler in an open state;

FIG. 22B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of thecircular stapler of FIG. 22A, with the contact switch of FIG. 22A movedinto a closed state by proximal translation of a trocar and an anvil ofthe circular stapler;

FIG. 23A depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of thecircular stapler of FIG. 22A, with the contact switch of FIG. 22A in theopen state of FIG. 22A;

FIG. 23B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of thecircular stapler of FIG. 22A, with the contact switch of FIG. 22A movedinto the closed state of FIG. 22B by proximal translation of the trocarand the anvil of the circular stapler;

FIG. 24 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of anotherexemplary alternative circular stapler;

FIG. 25A depicts a detailed cross-sectional side view of the distal endof the circular stapler of FIG. 24, with a contact switch of thecircular stapler in an open state;

FIG. 25B depicts a detailed cross-sectional side view of the distal endof the circular stapler of FIG. 24, with the contact switch of FIG. 25Amoved into a closed state by proximal translation of a trocar and ananvil of the circular stapler;

FIG. 26 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary alternative trocar;

FIG. 27 depicts an exploded perspective view of the trocar of FIG. 26,with an anvil;

FIG. 28A depicts a perspective view of the trocar of FIG. 26 and theanvil of FIG. 27, with the anvil decoupled from the trocar;

FIG. 28B depicts a perspective view of the trocar of FIG. 26 and theanvil of FIG. 27, with the anvil partially coupled with the trocar;

FIG. 28C depicts a perspective view of the trocar of FIG. 26 and theanvil of FIG. 27, with the anvil fully coupled with the trocar;

FIG. 28D depicts a perspective view of the trocar of FIG. 26 and theanvil of FIG. 27, with the anvil moved into a fourth position relativeto the trocar;

FIG. 29A depicts a detailed perspective view of the trocar of FIG. 26,with a sleeve member of the trocar in a first position, and with alockout member in a first rotational position;

FIG. 29B depicts a detailed perspective view of the trocar of FIG. 26,with the sleeve member of FIG. 29A moved to a second position, and withthe lockout member of FIG. 29A moved to a second rotational position bymovement of the sleeve member to the second position;

FIG. 29C depicts a detailed perspective view of the trocar of FIG. 26,with the sleeve member of FIG. 29A moved to a third position, and withthe lockout member of FIG. 29A moved to a third rotational position bymovement of the sleeve member to the third position;

FIG. 30A depicts a detailed side elevational view of the trocar of FIG.26, with the sleeve member of FIG. 29A in the first position of FIG.29A, and with the lockout member of FIG. 29A in the first rotationalposition of FIG. 29A;

FIG. 30B depicts a detailed side elevational view of the trocar of FIG.26, with the sleeve member of FIG. 29A moved to the second position ofFIG. 29B, and with the lockout member of FIG. 29A moved to the secondrotational position of FIG. 29B by movement of the sleeve member to thesecond position;

FIG. 30C depicts a detailed side elevational view of the trocar of FIG.26, with the sleeve member of FIG. 29A moved to the third position ofFIG. 29C, and with the lockout member of FIG. 29A moved to the thirdrotational position of FIG. 29C by movement of the sleeve member to thethird position;

FIG. 31A depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of yetanother exemplary alternative circular stapler incorporating the trocarof FIG. 26, with the trocar of FIG. 26 in a first position, with thesleeve member of FIG. 29A in the first position of FIG. 29A, and withthe lockout of FIG. 29A in the third rotational position of FIG. 29C;

FIG. 31B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of thecircular stapler of FIG. 31A, with the trocar of FIG. 26 moved to asecond position, with the sleeve member of FIG. 29A in the firstposition of FIG. 29A, and with the lockout member of FIG. 29A moved tothe first rotational position of FIG. 29A;

FIG. 31C depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of thecircular stapler of FIG. 31A, with the trocar of FIG. 26 moved to athird position, with the sleeve member of FIG. 29A moved to the thirdposition of FIG. 29C, and with the lockout tab of FIG. 29A in the thirdrotational position;

FIG. 32A depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of yetanother exemplary alternative circular stapler, with a trocar of thecircular stapler in a first position, with a lockout member in a firstrotational position, and with a link member in a first position;

FIG. 32B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of thecircular stapler of FIG. 32A, with the trocar of FIG. 32A moved to asecond position, with the lockout member of FIG. 32A moved to a secondrotational position so as to engage the link member of FIG. 32A, andwith the link member remaining in the first position;

FIG. 32C depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of thecircular stapler of FIG. 32A, with the trocar of FIG. 32A moved to athird position, with the lockout member of FIG. 32A remaining in thesecond rotational position, and with the link member of FIG. 32A movedto a second position;

FIG. 32D depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of thecircular stapler of FIG. 32A, with the trocar of FIG. 32A in the thirdposition of FIG. 32C, with the lockout member of FIG. 32A remaining inthe first rotational position of FIG. 32A, and with the link member ofFIG. 32A remaining in the first position of FIG. 32A;

FIG. 33A depicts a cross-sectional side view of a contact switch of thecircular stapler of FIG. 32A, with the contact switch in a closed state,and with the link member of FIG. 32A in the first position of FIG. 32A;

FIG. 33B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the contact switch ofFIG. 33A, with the contact switch moved to an open position by movementof the link member of FIG. 32A to the second position of FIG. 32C;

FIG. 34A depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of yetanother exemplary alternative circular stapler, with a lockout member ina first rotational position;

FIG. 34B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of thecircular stapler of FIG. 34A, with the lockout member of FIG. 34A movedto a second rotational position so as to engage a link member of thecircular stapler;

FIG. 35A depicts a detailed cross-sectional side view of the distal endof the circular stapler of FIG. 34A, with the lockout member of FIG. 34Ain the second rotational position of FIG. 34B so as to engage the linkmember of FIG. 34B, and with a trocar of the circular stapler in adistal longitudinal position;

FIG. 35B depicts a detailed cross-sectional side view of the distal endof the circular stapler of FIG. 34A, with the lockout member of FIG. 34Ain the second rotational position of FIG. 34B so as to engage the linkmember of FIG. 34B, and with the link member moved to a proximallongitudinal position by movement of the trocar to a proximallongitudinal position;

FIG. 36A depicts a cross-sectional side view of a contact switch of thecircular stapler of FIG. 34A, with the contact switch in an open state,and with the link member of FIG. 34B in the first position of FIG. 35A;

FIG. 36B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the contact switch ofFIG. 36A, with the contact switch moved to a closed state by movement ofthe link member of FIG. 34B to the second position of FIG. 35B;

FIG. 37A depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of yetanother exemplary alternative circular stapler, with a lockout member ina first rotational position, and with a contact switch in an open state;

FIG. 37B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of thecircular stapler of FIG. 37A, with the lockout tab of FIG. 37A rotatedto a second rotational position so as to close the contact switch ofFIG. 37A;

FIG. 38 depicts a perspective view of components of yet anotherexemplary alternative circular stapler;

FIG. 39A depicts a perspective view of an anvil actuation assembly ofthe circular stapler of FIG. 38, with an actuation rod in a firstposition, and with a lockout rod in a first position;

FIG. 39B depicts a perspective view of the anvil actuation assembly ofFIG. 39A, with the actuation rod moved to a second position, and withthe lockout rod moved to a second position;

FIG. 40 depicts a perspective view of the distal end of an exemplaryalternative trocar;

FIG. 41A depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of thetrocar of FIG. 40, with a contact switch of the trocar in an open state;

FIG. 41B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of thetrocar of FIG. 40, with the contact switch of FIG. 41A moved to a closedstate;

FIG. 42 depicts a perspective view of the distal end of anotherexemplary alternative trocar;

FIG. 43A depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of thetrocar of FIG. 42, with a circuit of the trocar in an open state;

FIG. 43B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of thetrocar of FIG. 42, with the circuit of FIG. 43A in a closed state;

FIG. 44 depicts a perspective view of the distal end of yet anotherexemplary alternative trocar;

FIG. 45A depicts a side view of the trocar of FIG. 44, with the trocarin a first position; and

FIG. 45B depicts a side view of the trocar of FIG. 44, with the trocarmoved to a second position.

The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it iscontemplated that various embodiments of the technology may be carriedout in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depictedin the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming apart of the specification illustrate several aspects of the presenttechnology, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples of the technology; it being understood, however, that thistechnology is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the technology shouldnot be used to limit its scope. Other examples, features, aspects,embodiments, and advantages of the technology will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following description, which is by wayof illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out thetechnology. As will be realized, the technology described herein iscapable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departingfrom the technology. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions shouldbe regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

I. Overview of Exemplary Circular Stapling Surgical Instrument

FIGS. 1-2 depict an exemplary surgical circular stapling instrument (10)that may be used to provide an end-to-end anastomosis between twosections of an anatomical lumen such as a portion of a patient'sdigestive tract. Instrument (10) of this example comprises a handleassembly (100), a shaft assembly (200), a stapling head assembly (300),and an anvil (400). Handle assembly (100) comprises a casing (110)defining an obliquely oriented pistol grip (112). In some versions,pistol grip (112) is perpendicularly oriented. In some other versions,pistol grip (112) is omitted. Handle assembly (110) further includes awindow (114) that permits viewing of a movable indicator needle (526) aswill be described in greater detail below. In some versions, a series ofhash marks, colored regions, and/or other fixed indicators arepositioned adjacent to window (114) in order to provide a visual contextfor indicator needle (526), thereby facilitating operator evaluation ofthe position of needle (526) within window (114). Various suitablealternative features and configurations for handle assembly (112) willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein.

Instrument (10) of the present example further includes a battery pack(120). Battery pack (120) is operable to provide electrical power to amotor (160) in pistol grip (112) as will be described in greater detailbelow. Battery pack (120) is removable from handle assembly (100). Inparticular, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, battery pack (120) may be insertedinto a socket (116) defined by casing (110). Once battery pack (120) isfully inserted in socket (116), latches (122) of battery pack (120) mayresiliently engage interior features of casing (110) to provide a snapfit. To remove battery pack (120), the operator may press latches (122)inwardly to disengage latches (122) from the interior features of casing(110) then pull battery pack (120) proximally from socket (116). Itshould be understood that battery pack (120) and handle assembly (100)may have complementary electrical contacts, pins and sockets, and/orother features that provide paths for electrical communication frombattery pack (120) to electrically powered components in handle assembly(100) when battery pack (120) is inserted in socket (116). It shouldalso be understood that, in some versions, battery pack (120) isunitarily incorporated within handle assembly (100) such that batteryback (120) cannot be removed from handle assembly (100).

Shaft assembly (200) extends distally from handle assembly (100) andincludes a preformed bend. In some versions, the preformed bend isconfigured to facilitate positioning of stapling head assembly (300)within a patient's colon. Various suitable bend angles or radii that maybe used will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in viewof the teachings herein. In some other versions, shaft assembly (200) isstraight, such that shaft assembly (200) lacks a preformed bend. Variousexemplary components that may be incorporated into shaft assembly (100)will be described in greater detail below.

Stapling head assembly (300) is located at the distal end of shaftassembly (200). As shown in FIGS. 1-2 and as will be described ingreater detail below, anvil (400) is configured to removably couple withshaft assembly (200), adjacent to stapling head assembly (300). As willalso be described in greater detail below, anvil (400) and stapling headassembly (300) are configured to cooperate to manipulate tissue in threeways, including clamping the tissue, cutting the tissue, and staplingthe tissue. A knob (130) at the proximal end of handle assembly (100) isrotatable relative to casing (110) to provide precise clamping of thetissue between anvil (400) and stapling head assembly (300). When asafety trigger (140) of handle assembly (100) is pivoted away from afiring trigger (150) of handle assembly (100), firing trigger (150) maybe actuated to thereby provide cutting and stapling of the tissue.

A. Exemplary Anvil

In the following discussion of anvil (400), the terms “distal” and“proximal” (and variations thereof) will be used with reference to theorientation of anvil (400) when anvil (400) is coupled with shaftassembly (200) of instrument (10). Thus, proximal features of anvil(400) will be closer to the operator of instrument (10); while distalfeatures of anvil (400) will be further from the operator of instrument(10).

As best seen in FIGS. 3-5, anvil (400) of the present example comprisesa head (410) and a shank (420). Head (410) includes a proximal surface(412) that defines a plurality of staple forming pockets (414). Stapleforming pockets (414) are arranged in two concentric annular arrays. Insome other versions, staple forming pockets (414) are arranged in threeor more concentric annular arrays. Staple forming pockets (414) areconfigured to deform staples as the staples are driven into stapleforming pockets (414). For instance, each staple forming pocket (414)may deform a generally “U” shaped staple into a “B” shape as is known inthe art. As best seen in FIG. 4, proximal surface (412) terminates at aninner edge (416), which defines an outer boundary of an annular recess(418) surrounding shank (420).

Shank (420) defines a bore (422) and includes a pair of pivoting latchmembers (430) positioned in bore (422). As best seen in FIG. 5, eachlatch member (430) includes a “T” shaped distal end (432), a roundedproximal end (434), and a latch shelf (436) located distal to proximalend (434). “T” shaped distal ends (432) secure latch members (430)within bore (422). Latch members (430) are positioned within bore (422)such that distal ends (434) are positioned at the proximal ends oflateral openings (424), which are formed through the sidewall of shank(420). Lateral openings (424) thus provide clearance for distal ends(434) and latch shelves (436) to deflect radially outwardly from thelongitudinal axis defined by shank (420). However, latch members (430)are configured to resiliently bias distal ends (434) and latch shelves(436) to radially inwardly toward the longitudinal axis defined by shank(420). Latch members (430) thus act as retaining clips. This allowsanvil (400) to be removably secured to a trocar (330) of stapling headassembly (300) as will be described in greater detail below. It shouldbe understood, however, that latch members (436) are merely optional.Anvil (400) may be removably secured to a trocar (330) using any othersuitable components, features, or techniques.

In addition to or in lieu of the foregoing, anvil (400) may be furtherconstructed and operable in accordance with at least some of theteachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,205,459; 5,271,544; 5,275,322; 5,285,945;5,292,053; 5,333,773; 5,350,104; 5,533,661; and/or 8,910,847, thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Still othersuitable configurations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in theart in view of the teachings herein.

B. Exemplary Stapling Head Assembly

As best seen in FIGS. 6-7, stapling head assembly (300) of the presentexample is coupled to a distal end of shaft assembly (200) and comprisesa tubular casing (310) housing a slidable staple driver member (350). Acylindraceous inner core member (312) extends distally within tubularcasing (310). Tubular casing (310) is fixedly secured to an outer sheath(210) of shaft assembly (200), such that tubular casing (310) serves asa mechanical ground for stapling head assembly (300).

Trocar (330) is positioned coaxially within inner core member (312) oftubular casing (310). As will be described in greater detail below,trocar (330) is operable to translate distally and proximally relativeto tubular casing (310) in response to rotation of knob (130) relativeto casing (110) of handle assembly (100). Trocar (330) comprises a shaft(332) and a head (334). Head (334) includes a pointed tip (336) and aninwardly extending proximal surface (338). Shaft (332) thus provides areduced outer diameter just proximal to head (334), with surface (338)providing a transition between that reduced outer diameter of shaft(332) and the outer diameter of head (334). While tip (336) is pointedin the present example, tip (336) is not sharp. Tip (336) will thus noteasily cause trauma to tissue due to inadvertent contact with tissue.Head (334) and the distal portion of shaft (332) are configured forinsertion in bore (422) of anvil (420). Proximal surface (338) and latchshelves (436) have complementary positions and configurations such thatlatch shelves (436) engage proximal surface (338) when shank (420) ofanvil (400) is fully seated on trocar (330). Anvil (400) is thus securedto trocar (330) through a snap fit due to latch members (430).

Staple driver member (350) is operable to actuate longitudinally withintubular casing (310) in response to activation of motor (160) as will bedescribed in greater detail below. Staple driver member (350) includestwo distally presented concentric annular arrays of staple drivers(352). Staple drivers (352) are arranged to correspond with thearrangement of staple forming pockets (414) described above. Thus, eachstaple driver (352) is configured to drive a corresponding staple into acorresponding staple forming pocket (414) when stapling head assembly(300) is actuated. It should be understood that the arrangement ofstaple drivers (352) may be modified just like the arrangement of stapleforming pockets (414) as described above. Staple driver member (350)also defines a bore (354) that is configured to coaxially receive coremember (312) of tubular casing (310). An annular array of studs (356)project distally from a distally presented surface surrounding bore(354).

A cylindraceous knife member (340) is coaxially positioned within stapledriver member (350). Knife member (340) includes a distally presented,sharp circular cutting edge (342). Knife member (340) is sized such thatknife member (340) defines an outer diameter that is smaller than thediameter defined by the inner annular array of staple drivers (352).Knife member (340) also defines an opening that is configured tocoaxially receive core member (312) of tubular casing (310). An annulararray of openings (346) formed in knife member (340) is configured tocomplement the annular array of studs (356) of staple driver member(350), such that knife member (340) is fixedly secured to staple drivermember (350) via studs (356) and openings (346). Other suitablestructural relationships between knife member (340) and stapler drivermember (350) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art inview of the teachings herein.

A deck member (320) is fixedly secured to tubular casing (310). Deckmember (320) includes a distally presented deck surface (322) definingtwo concentric annular arrays of staple openings (324). Staple openings(324) are arranged to correspond with the arrangement of staple drivers(352) and staple forming pockets (414) described above. Thus, eachstaple opening (324) is configured to provide a path for a correspondingstaple driver (352) to drive a corresponding staple through deck member(320) and into a corresponding staple forming pocket (414) when staplinghead assembly (300) is actuated. It should be understood that thearrangement of staple openings (322) may be modified just like thearrangement of staple forming pockets (414) as described above. Itshould also be understood that various structures and techniques may beused to contain staples within stapling head assembly (300) beforestapling head assembly (300) is actuated. Such structures and techniquesthat are used to contain staples within stapling head assembly (300) mayprevent the staples from inadvertently falling out through stapleopenings (324) before stapling head assembly (300) is actuated. Varioussuitable forms that such structures and techniques may take will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachingsherein.

As best seen in FIG. 6, deck member (320) defines an inner diameter thatis just slightly larger than the outer diameter defined by knife member(340). Deck member (320) is thus configured to allow knife member (340)to translate distally to a point where cutting edge (342) is distal todeck surface (322).

In addition to or in lieu of the foregoing, stapling head assembly (300)may be further constructed and operable in accordance with at least someof the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,205,459; 5,271,544; 5,275,322;5,285,945; 5,292,053; 5,333,773; 5,350,104; 5,533,661; and/or 8,910,847,the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Stillother suitable configurations will be apparent to one of ordinary skillin the art in view of the teachings herein.

C. Exemplary Shaft Assembly

FIG. 8 shows various components of shaft assembly (200), which couplescomponents of stapling head assembly (300) with components of handleassembly (100). In particular, and as noted above, shaft assembly (200)includes an outer sheath (210) that extends between handle assembly(100) and tubular casing (310). In the present example, outer sheath(210) is rigid and includes a preformed curved section as noted above.

Shaft assembly (200) further includes a trocar actuation rod (220) and atrocar actuation band assembly (230). The distal end of trocar actuationband assembly (230) is fixedly secured to the proximal end of trocarshaft (332). The proximal end of trocar actuation band assembly (230) isfixedly secured to the distal end of trocar actuation rod (220). Itshould therefore be understood that trocar (330) will translatelongitudinally relative to outer sheath (210) in response to translationof trocar actuation band assembly (230) and trocar actuation rod (220)relative to outer sheath (210). Trocar actuation band assembly (230) isconfigured to flex such that trocar actuation band assembly (230) mayfollow along the preformed curve in shaft assembly (200) as trocaractuation band assembly (230) is translated longitudinally relative toouter sheath (210). However, trocar actuation band assembly (230) hassufficient column strength and tensile strength to transfer distal andproximal forces from trocar actuation rod (220) to trocar shaft (332).Trocar actuation rod (220) is rigid. A clip (222) is fixedly secured totrocar actuation rod (220) and is configured to cooperate withcomplementary features within handle assembly (100) to prevent trocaractuation rod (220) from rotating within handle assembly (100) whilestill permitting trocar actuation rod (220) to translate longitudinallywithin handle assembly (100). Trocar actuation rod (220) furtherincludes a coarse helical threading (224) and a fine helical threading(226). Details regarding the movement of trocar actuation rod (220) willbe described in greater detail below.

Shaft assembly (200) further includes a stapling head assembly driver(240) that is slidably received within outer sheath (210). The distalend of stapling head assembly driver (240) is fixedly secured to theproximal end of staple driver member (350). The proximal end of staplinghead assembly driver (240) is secured to a drive bracket (250) via a pin(242). It should therefore be understood that staple driver member (350)will translate longitudinally relative to outer sheath (210) in responseto translation of stapling head assembly driver (240) and drive bracket(250) relative to outer sheath (210). Stapling head assembly driver(240) is configured to flex such that stapling head assembly driver(240) may follow along the preformed curve in shaft assembly (200) asstapling head assembly driver (240) is translated longitudinallyrelative to outer sheath (210). However, stapling head assembly driver(240) has sufficient column strength to transfer distal forces fromdrive bracket (250) to staple driver member (350). Details regarding themovement of drive bracket (250) will be described in greater detailbelow.

While not shown in FIG. 8, it should be understood that shaft assembly(200) may further include one or more spacer elements within outersheath (210). Such spacer elements may be configured to support trocaractuation band assembly (230) and/or stapling head assembly driver (240)as trocar actuation band assembly (230) and/or stapling head assemblydriver (240) translate through outer sheath (210). For instance, suchspacer elements may prevent trocar actuation band assembly (230) and/orstapling head assembly driver (240) from buckling as trocar actuationband assembly (230) and/or stapling head assembly driver (240) translatethrough outer sheath (210). Various suitable forms that such spacerelements may take will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artin view of the teachings herein.

In addition to or in lieu of the foregoing, shaft assembly (200) may befurther constructed and operable in accordance with at least some of theteachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,205,459; 5,271,544; 5,275,322; 5,285,945;5,292,053; 5,333,773; 5,350,104; 5,533,661; and/or 8,910,847, thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Still othersuitable configurations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in theart in view of the teachings herein.

D. Exemplary Actuator Handle Assembly

As shown in FIG. 9, handle assembly (100) includes several componentsthat are operable to actuate anvil (400) and stapling head assembly(300). Handle assembly (100) also includes components that are operableto selectively lock out triggers (140, 150) based on the position ofanvil (400) relative to stapling head assembly (300). When triggers(140, 150) are locked out, firing trigger (150) is prevented frominitiating actuation of stapling head assembly (300). Thus, trigger(150) is only operable to initiate actuation of stapling head assembly(300) when the position of anvil (400) relative to stapling headassembly (300) is within a predefined range. The components of handleassembly (100) that provide the foregoing operability will be describedin greater detail below.

1. Exemplary Anvil Actuation Assembly

Knob (130) protrudes proximally from casing (110) of handle assembly andis rotatable relative to casing (110). As shown in FIG. 9, a nut (160)is secured to the distal end of knob (130). In the present example, nut(160) is fixedly secured to the distal end of knob (130) such that nut(160) will rotate unitarily with knob (130). Nut (160) and knob (130)are configured to cooperate with trocar actuation rod (220) to therebytranslate trocar actuation rod (220) longitudinally relative to casing(110) in response to rotation of nut (160) and knob (130) relative tocasing (110). As noted above, trocar (330) will translate longitudinallyrelative to outer sheath (210) in response to translation of trocaractuation rod (220) relative to outer sheath (210) and casing (110).

The proximal portion of trocar actuation rod (220) is positioned withinhandle assembly (100) to engage nut (160) and knob (130). In particular,trocar actuation rod (220) is positioned within handle assembly (100)such that coarse helical threading (224) will selectively engage athread engagement feature (not shown) within the interior of nut (160);and such that fine helical threading (226) will selectively engage athread engagement feature (not shown) within the interior of knob (130).In some versions, the thread engagement feature of nut (160) comprisesan inwardly directed tab; while the thread engagement feature of knob(130) comprises a helical threading. Other suitable forms that suchthread engagement features may take will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

In the present example, when nut (160) and knob (130) are rotatedrelative to casing (110), trocar actuation rod (220) travels proximallythrough a first range of longitudinal motion where coarse helicalthreading (224) is engaged with nut (160) to provide a relatively rapidrate of translation. Fine helical threading (226) is not engaged withknob (130) during this range of motion. When nut (160) and knob (130)are further rotated relative to casing (110) after trocar actuation rod(220) completes the first range of motion, trocar actuation rod (220)will continue to travel proximally through a second range oflongitudinal motion where fine helical threading (226) is engaged withknob (130) to provide a relatively slow rate of translation. Thus,trocar actuation rod (220) will translate proximally through a sequenceof rapid translation followed by slow translation, based on engagementbetween coarse helical threading (224) and nut (160) followed byengagement between fine helical threading (226) and knob (130).

It should be understood that when anvil (400) is coupled with trocar(330), rotation of knob (130) will provide corresponding translation ofanvil relative to stapling head assembly (300). It should also beunderstood that knob (130) may be rotated in a first angular direction(e.g., clockwise) to retract anvil (400) toward stapling head assembly(300); and in a second angular direction (e.g., counterclockwise) toadvance anvil (400) away from stapling head assembly (300). Knob (130)may thus be used to adjust the gap distance (d) between opposingsurfaces (412, 322) of anvil (400) and stapling head assembly (300)until a suitable gap distance (d) has been achieved as shown in FIG. 21Cand as described in greater detail below.

2. Exemplary Trigger Lockout Assembly

As noted above, knob may be used to adjust the gap distance (d) betweenopposing surfaces (412, 322) of anvil (400) and stapling head assembly(300). Setting an appropriate gap distance (d) before actuating staplinghead assembly (300) may be critical to the success of an anastomosis.For instance, if the gap distance (d) is too great, the staples that aredeployed at the anastomosis site may not be sufficiently formed bystaple forming pockets (414). This may result in leakage at theanastomosis site, and in some cases may ultimately lead to theseparation of the anatomical lumen sections that are joined at theanastomosis site. If the gap distance (d) is too small, the internalstructure of the tissue compressed between surfaces (412, 322) may bedamaged to the point where the structural integrity of the tissue iscompromised. This may prevent the tissue from adequately holding theformed staples, which again may result in leakage or other failure ofthe anastomosis. It may therefore be desirable to provide the operatorwith some form of feedback indicating whether the gap distance (d) iswithin an appropriate range. It may also be desirable to prevent theoperator from actuating stapling head assembly (300) unless the gapdistance (d) is within an appropriate range.

FIGS. 9-12E show components that provide feedback to the operator toindicate whether the gap distance (d) is within an appropriate range;and prevent the operator from actuating stapling head assembly (300)unless the gap distance (d) is within an appropriate range. As best seenin FIGS. 12B-12C, a bracket (500) is configured and positioned to movein response to movement of trocar actuation rod (220). As best seen inFIG. 10, bracket (500) includes a rigid body (502) that defines a firstslot (504), a second slot (506), and a third slot (508). An uprightfeature (510) is positioned at the proximal end of body (502) anddefines an opening (512). Trocar actuation rod (220) extends coaxiallythrough opening (512). As shown in FIG. 9, a coil spring (170) isinterposed between the proximal end of upright feature (510) and a rigidbulkhead feature that is defined by casing (110) and that forms asupport journal for nut (160). The bulkhead is fixed within casing (110)and thereby provides a ground for the proximal end of coil spring (170),such that coil spring (170) resiliently imparts a distal bias to bracket(500) via upright feature (510). Bracket (500) further includes alaterally presented flange (516) at the distal end of body (502). Flange(516) defines a slot (514).

As best seen in FIGS. 12B-12C, an indicator member (520) is configuredto pivot in response to translation of bracket (500). As best seen inFIG. 11, indicator member (520) comprises an upright arm (522), a snappin (524) projecting laterally from a lower end of arm (522), anindicator needle (526) projecting laterally from an upper end of arm(522), and a coupling pin (528) projecting laterally from anintermediate region of arm (522). Snap pin (524) is configured to snapinto a complementary recess provided by casing (110). Snap pin (524)thereby secures indicator member (520) to casing (110) yet permitsindicator member (520) to pivot relative to casing (110) about thelongitudinal axis of snap pin (524). Indicator needle (526) ispositioned to be visible through window (114) of handle assembly (110)to thereby visually indicate the pivotal position of indicator member(520). Coupling pin (528) is slidably received in slot (514) of flange(516) of bracket (500). This engagement between indicator member (520),casing (110), and bracket (500) provides pivotal movement of indicatormember (520) in response to translation of bracket (500).

Bracket (500) is configured to selectively prevent and permit actuationof triggers (140, 150). In particular, slots (504, 506) of bracket (500)are configured to selectively provide clearance for actuation oftriggers (140, 150). As shown in FIGS. 12A-12E, safety trigger (140) ispivotably coupled with a first upright member (144). First uprightmember (144) is coupled with casing (110) such that first upright member(144) is configured to translate upwardly in response to pivoting ofsafety trigger (140) toward pistol grip (112). However, body (502) ofbracket (500) is configured to prevent this movement of first uprightmember (144) and safety trigger (140) by engaging the upper end (146) offirst upright member (144). Body (502) thus blocks movement of firstupright member (144) and safety trigger (140) until bracket (500) ismoved to a position where slot (506) is aligned with upper end (146) tothereby provide clearance for upward movement of first upright member(144). It should therefore be understood that safety trigger (140)cannot be pivoted toward pistol grip (112) until slot (506) ispositioned over upper end (146).

Similarly, firing trigger (150) is pivotably coupled with a secondupright member (154). Second upright member (154) is coupled with casing(110) such that second upright member (154) is configured to translateupwardly in response to pivoting of safety trigger (150) toward pistolgrip (112). However, body (502) of bracket (500) is configured toprevent this movement of second upright member (154) and firing trigger(150) by engaging the upper end (156) of second upright member (154).Even if safety trigger (140) is pivoted out of the way to otherwisepermit movement of firing trigger (150), body (502) blocks movement ofsecond upright member (154) and firing trigger (150) until bracket (500)is moved to a position where slot (504) is aligned with upper end (156)to thereby provide clearance for upward movement of second uprightmember (154). It should therefore be understood that, even if safetytrigger (140) is pivoted out of the way to otherwise permit movement offiring trigger (150), firing trigger (150) cannot be pivoted towardpistol grip (112) until slot (504) is positioned over upper end (156).

Third slot (508) is configured to receive a downwardly projecting boss(223) of clip (222), which is rigidly secured to trocar actuation rod(220). While casing (110) is configured to allow bracket (500) totranslate longitudinally within casing (110), casing (110) includesrails, channels, and/or other features that prevent bracket (500) fromrotating within casing (110). Thus, the positioning of boss (223) inslot (508) prevents clip (222) and trocar actuation rod (220) fromrotating within casing (110). Boss (223) and slot (508) neverthelessallow bracket (500) to translate longitudinally within casing (110) aswill be described in greater detail below.

FIGS. 12A-12E depict the above-described components at various stages ofoperation. In particular, in FIG. 12A, trocar actuation rod (220) is ina distal-most position, such that trocar (330) is in a distal-mostposition. At this stage, the operator may couple anvil (400) with trocar(330) by inserting trocar (330) into bore (422) until latch members(430) are secured to head (334) of trocar (330). The operator thenrotates knob (130), which rotates nut (160). As knob (130) and nut (160)rotate, engagement between coarse helical threading (224) of trocaractuation rod (220) and the complementary feature of nut (160) causestrocar actuation rod (220) to retract proximally at a relatively rapidrate, such that trocar actuation rod (220) reaches the position shown inFIG. 12B. This provides proximal retraction of trocar actuation rod(220) provides retraction of trocar (330) and anvil (400). As trocaractuation rod (220) moves from the position shown in FIG. 12A to theposition shown in FIG. 12B, bracket (500) remains stationary. This isdue to the fact that clip (222) is spaced apart from upright feature(510) at the stage shown in FIG. 12A and does not engage upright feature(510) until trocar actuation rod (220) reaches the position shown inFIG. 12B.

After reaching the stage shown in FIG. 12B, the operator may continuerotating knob (130) and nut (160), which causes further proximalretraction of trocar actuation rod (220) as shown in FIG. 12C. This ofcourse causes further proximal retraction of trocar (330) and anvil(400). As trocar actuation rod (220) moves from the position shown inFIG. 12B to the position shown in FIG. 12C, clip (222) bears againstbracket (500), driving bracket (500) proximally. This proximal movementof bracket (500) causes indicator member (520) to pivot from theposition shown in FIG. 12B to the position shown in FIG. 12C due to thepositioning of pin (528) in slot (514) of flange (516).

As indicator member (520) pivots from the position shown in FIG. 12B tothe position shown in FIG. 12C, the operator may observe the position ofindicator needle (526) through window (114) of handle assembly (110). Asnoted above, a series of hash marks, colored regions, and/or other fixedindicators may be positioned adjacent to window (114) in order toprovide a visual context for indicator needle (526), therebyfacilitating operator evaluation of the position of needle (526) withinwindow (114). It should be understood that the position of needle (526)within window (114) will be indicative of the longitudinal position oftrocar (330) and anvil (400). The position of needle (526) within window(114) will thus indicate the gap distance (d) between opposing surfaces(412, 322) of anvil (400) and stapling head assembly (300). Whileobserving the position of needle (526) within window (114), the operatormay rotate knob (130) clockwise or counterclockwise to further retractor advance trocar (330) and anvil (400), thereby providing fineadjustment of the gap distance (d) until a desired gap distance (d) isreached within an appropriate range.

In order to provide fine control of the gap distance (d) adjustment atthe stage shown in FIG. 12C, trocar actuation rod (220) will be at alongitudinal position where fine helical threading (226) is engaged witha complementary feature of knob (130) and coarse helical threading (224)is disengaged from the complementary feature of nut (160). In someversions, coarse helical threading (224) disengages nut (160) and finehelical threading (226) begins to engage knob (130) once trocaractuation rod (220) reaches the longitudinal position shown in FIG. 12B(i.e., when clip (222) first engages upright member (510)). In someother versions, the transition from engagement by coarse helicalthreading (224) to fine helical threading (226) occurs sometime betweenthe stage shown in FIG. 12B and the stage shown in FIG. 12C. Othersuitable stages at which the coarse-to-fine transition may occur will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachingsherein. It should also be understood that some alternative versions oftrocar actuation rod (220) may have just a single threading section,with the pitch of the threading being consistent along the length of thethreading. In other words, trocar actuation rod (220) does notnecessarily need to have two different sections of threading (224, 226)with different pitches.

At the stage shown in FIG. 12C, slot (506) is aligned with upper end(146) to thereby provide clearance for upward movement of first uprightmember (144). Similarly, slot (504) is aligned with upper end (156) tothereby provide clearance for upward movement of second upright member(154). In the present example, slots (504, 506) are sized and positionedsuch that slots (504, 506) only provide clearance for upward movement ofupright members (144, 154) when the gap distance (d) is within aclinically acceptable range. By way of example only, a “clinicallyacceptable range” for the gap distance (d) may be between approximately0.110 inches and approximately 0.040 inches. As another merelyillustrative example, a “clinically acceptable range” for the gapdistance (d) may be between approximately 0.110 inches and approximately0.020 inches. Even when slots (504, 506) are positioned to provideclearance for upward movement of upright members (144, 154) as shown inFIG. 12C, safety trigger (140) will still block pivotal movement offiring trigger (150) about a pin (152) (FIG. 9) when safety trigger(140) is in the non-actuated position shown in FIG. 12C. Thus, in orderto enable movement of firing trigger (150), the operator will need tofirst actuate safety trigger (140) about a pin (142) (FIG. 9) from theposition shown in FIG. 12C to the position shown in FIG. 12D.

As shown in FIG. 12D, upper end (146) passes through slot (506) assafety trigger (140) is pivoted from the position shown in FIG. 12C tothe position shown in FIG. 12D. It should be understood that thismovement of upper end (146) would not be possible at the stages shown inFIGS. 12A-12B (when the gap distance (d) is too great) because body(502) would physically block upward movement of upright member (144),thereby physically blocking pivotal movement of safety trigger (140). Inthe present example, a cap (not shown) incorporated into knob (130)prevents knob (130) from rotating to a point where anvil (400) would beretracted too far proximally (such that the gap distance (d) is toosmall). In some other variations, even if knob (130) were to permitanvil (400) to be retracted too far proximally (such that the gapdistance (d) is too small), body (502) would physically block upwardmovement of upright member (144), thereby physically blocking pivotalmovement of safety trigger (140), in the event that the operatorretracts trocar (330) and anvil (400) too far proximally (such that thegap distance (d) is too small). Regardless of whether body (502), knob(130), or some other feature prevents actuation when the gap distance(d) would be too small, it should be understood that instrument (10)permits actuation of safety trigger (140) only when the gap distance (d)is within the clinically acceptable range.

As noted above, safety trigger (140) is configured to prevent actuationof firing trigger (150) until safety trigger (140) has been actuated.Once safety trigger (140) has been actuated, the operator may actuatefiring trigger (150) from the position shown in FIG. 12D to the positionshown in FIG. 12E. As shown in FIG. 12E, upper end (156) passes throughslot (504) as firing trigger (150) is pivoted from the position shown inFIG. 12D to the position shown in FIG. 12E. It should be understoodthat, even in the complete absence of safety trigger (140), thismovement of upper end (156) would not be possible at the stages shown inFIGS. 12A-12B (when the gap distance (d) is too great) because body(502) would physically block upward movement of upright member (154),thereby physically blocking pivotal movement of firing trigger (150). Itshould also be understood that body (502) would also physically blockupward movement of upright member (154), thereby physically blockingpivotal movement of firing trigger (150), in the event that the operatorretracts trocar (330) and anvil (400) too far proximally (such that thegap distance (d) is too small). Thus, even in the complete absence ofsafety trigger (140), firing trigger (150) may only be actuated when thegap distance (d) is within the clinically acceptable range.

Firing trigger (150) of the present example includes an integralactuation paddle (158). Paddle (158) pivots forwardly as firing trigger(150) pivots from the position shown in FIG. 12D to the position shownin FIG. 12E. Paddle (158) is configured to actuate a switch of a motoractivation module (180), which is shown in FIG. 9, when firing trigger(150) pivots from the position shown in FIG. 12D to the position shownin FIG. 12E. Motor activation module (180) is in communication withbattery pack (120) and motor (160), such that motor activation module(180) is configured to provide activation of motor (160) with electricalpower from battery pack (120) in response to paddle (158) actuating theswitch of motor activation module (180). Thus, motor (160) will beactivated when firing trigger (150) is pivoted from the position shownin FIG. 12D to the position shown in FIG. 12E. This activation of motor(160) will actuate stapling head assembly (300) as described in greaterdetail below.

3. Exemplary Stapling Head Actuation Assembly

FIGS. 13-20D show various components that are operable to actuatestapling head assembly (300). These components include motor (160), agearbox (162), a rotary cam member (700), a cam follower (600), drivebracket (250) and stapling head assembly driver (240). Gearbox (162) iscoupled with a drive shaft of motor (160) and is further coupled withcam member (700). Activation of motor (160) thus causes rotation of cammember (700) via gearbox (162). Various suitable configurations that maybe used for gearbox (162) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art in view of the teachings herein. Cam member (700) is configuredto interact with cam follower (160) to pivot cam follower (160) in twoangular directions about a pin (118) as will be described in greaterdetail below. Pin (118) is coupled with casing (110). A bushing (701)provides rotary support to cam member (700) relative to casing (110).

Cam follower (600) is pivotably coupled with drive bracket (250) via apair of integral pins (602), which are received in complementary notches(252) of drive bracket (250). As shown in FIGS. 14-15, cam follower(600) includes a first bearing feature (604) and a second bearingfeature (610). First bearing feature (604) consists of a rounded,horizontally extending surface. Second bearing feature (610) is shapedlike a quarter-pie defined by a straight vertical surface (612), ahorizontally extending surface (614), and a curved surface (616). Secondbearing feature (610) projects proximally relative to first bearingfeature (504).

FIGS. 16-17 show cam member (700) in greater detail. Cam member (700)comprises a distal face (702), a distally projecting post (704), and anouter circumferential surface (706). A first cam feature (710) and asecond cam feature (720) project distally from distal face (702). Post(704) engages bushing (701). First cam feature (710) comprises a firstsurface region (712), a second surface region (714), and a third surfaceregion (716). First surface region (712) is convexly defined by arelatively large radius of curvature, such that first surface region(712) is nearly flat. Second surface region (714) is convexly defined bya progressively increasing radius of curvature. Third surface region(716) is concavely defined by a relatively large radius of curvature. Inaddition to projecting distally from distal face (702), second camfeature (720) projects outwardly from outer circumferential surface(706). Second cam feature (720) includes a first surface region (722)and a second surface region (724). First surface region (722) issubstantially flat while second surface region (724) is concavelycurved. The origin of the radius of curvature for each curved surfaceregion (712, 714, 716, 724) is offset from the center of post (704).

FIGS. 18A-18B show the general interaction between cam follower (600)and first and second cam features (710, 720), though this interactionwill be described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS.20A-20D. As cam member (700) is rotated from the position shown in FIG.18A to the position shown in FIG. 18B, first cam feature (710) bearsagainst first bearing feature (604) of cam follower (600), causing camfollower to pivot about pin (118). In the view shown in FIGS. 18A-18B,cam follower (600) pivots counterclockwise as cam member (700) isrotated from the position shown in FIG. 18A to the position shown inFIG. 18B. As can be seen in the transition from FIG. 18A to FIG. 18B,this counterclockwise pivoting of cam follower (600) drives drivebracket (250) and stapling head assembly driver (240) distally, therebyactuating stapling head assembly (300). As cam member (700) continues torotate in the same direction back toward the position shown in FIG. 18A,second cam feature (720) engages and bears against second bearingfeature (610) of cam follower (600), causing cam follower (600) to pivotclockwise about pin (118). This clockwise pivoting of cam follower (600)about pin (118) retracts drive bracket (250) and stapling head assemblydriver (240) proximally back toward the position shown in FIG. 18A.

Referring back to FIGS. 16-17, a third cam feature (730) projectsoutwardly from outer circumferential surface (706). Third cam feature(730) comprises a first surface region (732) and a second surface region(734). First surface region (732) is flat and is oriented generallytangentially relative to outer circumferential surface (706). Secondsurface region (732) is also flat and is oriented radially outwardlyrelative to outer circumferential surface (706). Third cam feature (730)is configured to interact with a rocker member (800) as shown in FIGS.19A-19B. Rocker member (800) comprises an integral pin (802), a bearingmember (804), and a paddle (806). Pin (802) is pivotably coupled withcasing (110), such that rocker member (800) is pivotable within casing(110) about the longitudinal axis defined by pin (802). Bearing member(804) is configured to interact with third cam feature (730) as will bedescribed in greater detail below. Paddle (806) is configured to actuatea switch button (192) of a short circuit module (190) as will also bedescribed in greater detail below.

FIG. 19A shows cam member (700) in the same position as shown in FIG.18A. At this stage, second surface region (734) of third cam feature(730) is adjacent to bearing member (804) of rocker member (800). FIG.19B shows cam member (700) in a position where cam member (700) has beenrotated past the position shown in FIG. 18B and back toward the positionshown in FIG. 18A. However, cam member (700) has not completed a fullrevolution. At the stage shown in FIG. 19B, first surface region (732)has engaged and borne against bearing member (804), thereby pivotingrocker member (800) about the longitudinal axis defined by pin (802).This has caused paddle (806) to actuate switch button (192) of shortcircuit module (190). Short circuit module (190) is configured toprevent motor (160) from further activation when switch button (192) hasbeen actuated. In some versions, short circuit module (190) couplesbattery pack (120) with a power sink, in addition to short circuitingmotor (160), when switch button (192) is actuated. This may result indischarge of battery pack (120) in addition to stopping activation ofmotor (160) once an actuation stroke of stapling head assembly (300) hasbeen completed. By way of example only, short circuit module (190) maybe configured and operable in accordance with at least some of theteachings of U.S. Pub. No. 2015/0083774, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein. Other suitable configurations will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachingsherein.

FIGS. 20A-20D schematically depict the interaction between cam member(700), features of cam follower (600), and features of rocker member(800) as cam member (700) rotates. It should be understood that therotation of cam member (700) throughout the stages shown in FIGS.20A-20D is driven by motor (160) and gearbox (162). FIG. 20A shows cammember (700) in the same position as shown in FIGS. 18A and 19A. At thisstage, first bearing feature (604) of cam follower (600) is positionedon first surface region (712) and bearing member (804) or rocker member(800) is adjacent to second surface region (734) of third cam feature(730). Also at this stage, knife member (340) and staple driver member(350) are in proximal positions, such that stapling head assembly (300)is in a non-actuated state. As cam member (700) is rotated to theposition shown in FIG. 20B, second surface region (714) bears againstbearing member (804), thereby driving bearing member (804) upwardly.This causes cam follower (600) to pivot about pin (118) to the positionshown in FIG. 18B. Cam follower (600) thus drives knife member (340) andstaple driver member (350) distally via drive bracket (250) and staplinghead assembly driver (240). Stapling head assembly (300) is thus in anactuated state at the stage shown in FIG. 20B. In some versions, cammember (700) rotates through an angular range of approximately 270° inorder to transition stapling head assembly (300) from the non-actuatedstate to the actuated state.

After stapling head assembly (300) has been actuated, cam member (700)continues to rotate to the position shown in FIG. 20C. At this stage,first surface region (722) of second cam member (720) begins to engagecurved surface (616) of second bearing feature (610) of cam follower(600). As cam member (700) continues to rotate to the position shown inFIG. 20D, second surface region (724) engages curved surface (616) ofsecond bearing feature (610), driving second bearing feature (610)downwardly. This causes cam follower (600) to pivot about pin (118) backfrom the position shown in FIG. 18B toward the position shown in FIG.18A. Cam follower (600) thus drives knife member (340) and staple drivermember (350) proximally via drive bracket (250) and stapling headassembly driver (240). In addition, first surface region (732) hasengaged and borne against bearing member (804), thereby pivoting rockermember (800) about the longitudinal axis defined by pin (802) at thestage shown in FIG. 20D. Rocker member (800) is thus in the same statein FIG. 20D as shown in FIG. 19B. Short circuit module (190) has thusbeen actuated at the stage shown in FIG. 20D.

It should be understood from the foregoing that cam member (700) isoperable to drive knife member (340) and staple driver member (350)distally, then drive knife member (340) and staple driver member (350)proximally and actuate short circuit module (190) by rotating in asingle angular direction through the range of motion shown in FIGS.20A-20D. Other suitable ways in which knife member (340), staple drivermember (350), and short circuit module (190) may be actuated will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachingsherein.

E. Exemplary Anastomosis Procedure

FIGS. 21A-21E show instrument (10) being used to form an anastomosis(70) between two tubular anatomical structures (20, 40). By way ofexample only, the tubular anatomical structures (20, 40) may comprisesections of a patient's esophagus, sections of a patient's colon, othersections of the patient's digestive tract, or any other tubularanatomical structures. As shown in FIG. 21A, anvil (400) is positionedin one tubular anatomical structure (20) and stapling head assembly(300) is positioned in another tubular anatomical structure (40). Inversions where tubular anatomical structures (20, 40) comprise sectionsof a patient's colon, stapling head assembly (300) may be inserted viathe patient's rectum. It should also be understood that the proceduredepicted in FIGS. 21A-21E is an open surgical procedure, though theprocedure may instead be performed laparoscopically. Various suitableways in which instrument (10) may be used to form an anastomosis (70) ina laparoscopic procedure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art in view of the teachings herein.

As shown in FIG. 21A, anvil (400) is positioned in tubular anatomicalstructure (20) such that shank (420) protrudes from the open severed end(22) of tubular anatomical structure (20). A purse-string suture (30) isprovided about a mid-region of shank (420) to generally secure theposition of anvil (400) in tubular anatomical structure (20). Similarly,stapling head assembly (300) is positioned in tubular anatomicalstructure (40) such that trocar (330) protrudes from the open severedend (42) of tubular anatomical structure (20). A purse-string suture(50) is provided about a mid-region of shaft (332) to generally securethe position of stapling head assembly (300) in tubular anatomicalstructure (40).

Next, anvil (400) is secured to trocar (330) by inserting trocar (330)into bore (422) as shown in FIG. 21B. Latch members (430) engage head(334) of trocar (330), thereby providing a secure fit between anvil(400) and trocar (330). The operator then rotates knob (130) whileholding casing (110) stationary via pistol grip (112). This rotation ofknob (130) causes trocar (330) and anvil (400) to retract proximally (asdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 12A-12C). As shown in FIG. 21C,this proximal retraction of trocar (330) and anvil (400) compresses thetissue of tubular anatomical structures (20, 40) between surfaces (412,322) of anvil (400) and stapling head assembly (300). The operatorobserves the position of needle (526) within window (114) to determinewhether the gap distance (d) between opposing surfaces (412, 322) ofanvil (400) and stapling head assembly (300) is appropriate; and makesany necessary adjustments via knob (130).

Once the operator has appropriately set the gap distance (d) via knob(130), the operator actuates safety trigger (140) (as shown in FIG. 12D)to enable actuation of firing trigger (150). The operator then actuatesfiring trigger (150) (as shown in FIG. 12D). This causes paddle (158) toactuate the switch of a motor activation module (180), therebyactivating motor to rotate cam member (700) (as shown in FIGS. 20A-20D).This rotation of cam member (700) actuates stapling head assembly (300)by driving knife member (340) and staple driver member (350) distally asshown in FIG. 21D. As knife member (340) translates distally, cuttingedge (342) of knife member (340) cooperates with inner edge (416) ofanvil (400), thereby shearing excess tissue that is positioned withinannular recess (418) of anvil (400) and the interior of knife member(340).

As shown in FIG. 4, anvil (400) of the present example includes abreakable washer (417) within annular recess (418). This washer (417) isbroken by knife member (340) when the knife member (340) completes afull distal range of motion from the position shown in FIG. 21C to theposition shown in FIG. 21D. The progressively increasing radius ofcurvature of second surface region may provide an increasing mechanicaladvantage as knife member (340) reaches the end of its distal movement,thereby providing greater force by which to break the washer (417). Ofcourse, the breakable washer (417) may be omitted entirely in someversions. In versions where washer (417) is included, it should beunderstood that washer (417) may also serve as a cutting board for knifemember (340) to assist in cutting of tissue. Such a cutting techniquemay be employed in addition to or in lieu of the above-noted shearingaction between inner edge (416) and knife member (340).

As staple driver member (350) translates distally from the positionshown in FIG. 21C to the position shown in FIG. 21D, staple drivermember (350) drives staples (90) through the tissue of tubularanatomical structures (20, 40) and into staple forming pockets (414) ofanvil (400). Staple forming pockets (414) deform the driven staples (90)into a “B” shape as is known in the art. The formed staples (90) thussecure the ends of tissue together.

After the operator has actuated stapling head assembly (300) as shown inFIG. 21D, the operator rotates knob (130) to drive anvil (400) distallyaway from stapling head assembly (300), increasing the gap distance (d)to facilitate release of the tissue between surfaces (412, 322). Theoperator then removes instrument (10) from the patient, with anvil (400)still secured to trocar (330). Referring back to the example where thetubular anatomical structures (20, 40) comprise sections of a patient'scolon, instrument (10) may be removed via the patient's rectum. Withinstrument (10) is removed, the tubular anatomical structures (20, 40)are left secured together by two annular arrays of staples (90) at ananastomosis (70) as shown in FIG. 21E. The inner diameter of theanastomosis (70) is defined by the severed edge (60) left by knifemember (340).

II. Exemplary Anvil Attachment Indicators

In some versions of instrument (10) it may desirable to provideinstrument (10) with features that are configured to indicate properand/or improper attachment of anvil (400) to trocar (330) of staplinghead assembly (300). For instance, if anvil (400) is not properlyattached to trocar (330), an operator may receive audible and/or tactilefeedback indicating improper attachment. Additionally, if anvil (400) isproperly attached to trocar (330), an operator may receive audible,tactile, and/or visible feedback indicating proper attachment. Inaddition or in the alternative, features may be configured to preventfiring of stapling head assembly (300) unless anvil (400) is properlyattached to trocar (300). For instance, if anvil (400) is not properlyattached to trocar (330), stapling head assembly (300) may be preventedfrom firing. If anvil (400) is properly attached to trocar (330), firingof stapling head assembly (300) may be enabled. Various examples of suchfeatures will be described in greater detail below; while other exampleswill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein. Moreover, the following teachings may be applied todevices that are used in various other contexts.

A. Exemplary Dome Switch Assembly

FIGS. 22A-23B depict a version of stapling head assembly (300) includinga switch assembly (3000). It should be understood that this version ofstapling head assembly (300) may be readily incorporated into instrument(10). Switch assembly (3000) includes a dome switch (3010) and aresilient actuator spring (3020). Actuator spring (3020) is securedwithin a cavity (3012) formed within tubular casing (310). Dome switch(3010) is positioned between a pair of flanges (3022, 3024) of actuatorspring (3020) such that movement of flange (3022) toward flange (3024)will actuate dome switch (3010). As will be discussed in more detailbelow, proximal movement of anvil (400), when properly secured to trocar(330), causes movement of flange (3022) toward flange (3024) so as toactuate dome switch (3010). Actuation of dome switch (3010) may provideaudible, tactile, and/or visible feedback to an operator indicatingproper attachment. Various suitable features that may be used to providesuch a response to actuation of dome switch (3010) will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.Additionally or alternatively, actuation of dome switch (3010) mayenable firing of stapling head assembly (300). In other words, unlessdome switch (3010) has been actuated, stapling head assembly (300) maynot be fired in some versions.

After anvil (400) is secured to trocar (330), the operator then rotatesknob (130) so as to cause trocar (330) and anvil (400) to retractproximally as described above with reference to FIGS. 12A-12C. Whentrocar (330) and anvil (400) are properly secured to one another, thisproximal retraction of trocar (330) and anvil (400) compresses thetissue of tubular anatomical structures (20, 40) between surfaces (412,322) of anvil (400) and stapling head assembly (300). When trocar (330)and anvil (400) are not properly secured to one another, trocar (330) isretracted proximally without anvil (400) such that the tissue of tubularanatomical structures (20, 40) remains uncompressed. When trocar (330)and anvil (400) are properly secured to one another, as trocar (330) andanvil (400) are retracted proximally, a proximal end of shank (420) ofanvil (400) engages a raised portion (3023) of flange (3022) of actuatorspring (3020) so as to drive flange (3022) toward flange (3024), therebyactuating dome switch (3010) as shown in FIGS. 22B and 23B. As mentionedabove, such actuation of dome switch (3010) may provide audible,tactile, and/or visible feedback to an operator indicating properattachment. Additionally or alternatively, such actuation of dome switch(3010) may enable firing of stapling head assembly (300). In otherwords, unless such actuation of dome switch (3010) has been actuated,stapling head assembly (300) may not be fired.

B. Exemplary Contact Switch Assembly

FIGS. 24-25B depict a version of stapling head assembly (300) includinga switch assembly (3030). It should be understood that this version ofstapling head assembly (300) may be readily incorporated into instrument(10). Switch assembly (3030) includes a contact switch (3040) and arotatable actuator (3020). Actuator (3050) is rotatably secured within acavity (3032) formed within tubular casing (310) such that actuator(3050) may rotate between a first rotational position (FIG. 25A) and asecond rotational position (FIG. 25B). Actuator (3050) is biased towardthe first rotational position shown in FIG. 25A via a torsion spring(3052). Contact switch (3040) is positioned adjacent a proximal end ofactuator (3050) such that movement of actuator (3050) toward the secondrotational position will actuate contact switch (3040) as shown in FIG.25B. As will be discussed in more detail below, proximal movement ofanvil (400), when properly secured to trocar (330), will cause movementof actuator (3050) toward the second rotational position so as toactuate contact switch (3040). Actuation of contact switch (3040) mayprovide audible, tactile, and/or visible feedback to an operatorindicating proper attachment. Various suitable features that may be usedto provide such a response to actuation of contact switch (3040) will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachingsherein. Additionally or alternatively, actuation of contact switch(3040) may enable firing of stapling head assembly (300). In otherwords, unless contact switch (3040) has been actuated, stapling headassembly (300) may not be fired in some versions.

After anvil (400) is secured to trocar (330), the operator then rotatesknob (130) so as to cause trocar (330) and anvil (400) to retractproximally as described above with reference to FIGS. 12A-12C. Whentrocar (330) and anvil (400) are properly secured to one another, thisproximal retraction of trocar (330) and anvil (400) compresses thetissue of tubular anatomical structures (20, 40) between surfaces (412,322) of anvil (400) and stapling head assembly (300). When trocar (330)and anvil (400) are not properly secured to one another, trocar (330) isretracted proximally without anvil (400) such that the tissue of tubularanatomical structures (20, 40) remains uncompressed. As best seen inFIG. 25B, when trocar (330) and anvil (400) are properly secured to oneanother, as trocar (330) and anvil (400) are retracted proximally, aproximal end of shank (420) of anvil (400) engages a top surface ofactuator (3050) so as to drive actuator (3050) toward the secondrotational position so as to actuate contact switch (3040). As mentionedabove, such actuation of contact switch (3040) may provide audible,tactile, and/or visible feedback to an operator indicating properattachment. Additionally or alternatively, such actuation of contactswitch (3040) may enable firing of stapling head assembly (300). Inother words, unless such actuation of contact switch (3040) has beenactuated, stapling head assembly (300) may not be fired.

C. Exemplary Lockout Trocar

FIGS. 26-31C depict an exemplary trocar (3060) that may be readilyincorporated into instrument (10) discussed above in place of trocar(330). Trocar (3060) is configured to operate substantially similar totrocar (330) discussed above except for the differences discussed below.For instance, trocar (3060) is operable to translate distally andproximally relative to tubular casing (310) in response to rotation ofknob (130). As will be discussed in more detail below, anvil (400) isconfigured to be attached to trocar (3060) such that translation oftrocar (3060) relative to tubular casing (310) is communicated directlyto anvil (400) as described above with reference to FIGS. 12A-12C.

Trocar (3060) comprises a shaft (3062) and a head (3064). Head (3064)includes a pointed tip (3066) and an inwardly extending proximal surface(3068). Shaft (3062) thus provides a reduced outer diameter justproximal to head (3064), with surface (3068) providing a transitionbetween that reduced outer diameter of shaft (3062) and the outerdiameter of head (3064). While tip (3066) is pointed in the presentexample, tip (3066) is not sharp. Tip (3066) will thus not easily causetrauma to tissue due to inadvertent contact with tissue. Head (3064) andthe distal portion of shaft (3062) are configured for insertion in bore(422) of anvil (400). Proximal surface (3068) and latch shelves (436)have complementary positions and configurations such that latch shelves(436) engage proximal surface (3068) when shank (420) of anvil (400) isfully seated on trocar (3060). Anvil (400) is thus secured to trocar(3060) through a snap fit due to latch members (430).

Trocar (3060) further comprises a hollow-cylindrical sleeve (3070) and alockout member (3080). Sleeve (3070) is slidably disposed about shaft(3062) of trocar (3060) such that sleeve (3070) is configured totranslate along a length of shaft (3062) between a distal longitudinalposition (FIGS. 28B, 29A, 30A) and a proximal longitudinal position(FIGS. 28D, 29C, 30C). As best seen in FIG. 27, a spring (3072),positioned within sleeve (3070) and slidably disposed about shaft(3062), is configured to bias sleeve (3070) toward the distallongitudinal position. Lockout member (3080) is rotatably coupled withina slot (3065) formed in a proximal portion of trocar (3060) via a pin(3067) such that lockout member (3080) is configured to rotate withinslot (3065) between a first rotational position (FIGS. 28B, 29A, 30A)and a second rotational position (FIGS. 28D, 29C, 30C). As will bediscussed in more detail below, lockout member (3080) further extendsthrough and rotates within a pair of slots (3071) formed within aproximal portion of sleeve (3070). A lateral support member (3074) ofsleeve (3070) spans slot (3071) of sleeve (3070) and engages a slot(3084) formed in lockout member (3080) such that, as will be discussedin more detail below, longitudinal translation of sleeve (3070) betweenthe distal longitudinal position and the proximal longitudinal positioncauses rotation of lockout member (3080) between the first rotationalposition and the second rotational position and vice versa. Thus, itshould be understood that spring (3072) is configured to bias lockoutmember (3080) toward the first rotational position.

FIG. 28A shows anvil (400) spaced apart from trocar (3060). With anvil(400) in this position, sleeve (3070) is in the distal longitudinalposition. As trocar (3060) is initially inserted into bore (422) ofshank (420) of anvil (400), a proximal end of shank (420) contacts adistal end of sleeve (3070) as shown in FIG. 28B. As trocar (3060) isfurther inserted into bore (422), contact between the proximal end ofshank (420) and sleeve (3070) drives sleeve (3070) proximally from thedistal longitudinal position and into an intermediate position byovercoming the bias of spring (3072) as shown in FIG. 28C. As trocar(3060) is further inserted into bore (422) such that anvil (400) isfully seated on trocar (3060), latch shelves (436) engage proximalsurface (3068) of trocar (3060) as discussed above. With anvil (400)fully seated on trocar (3060), sleeve (3070) is driven into the proximallongitudinal position via contact between the proximal end of shank(420) and sleeve (3070) as shown in FIG. 28D.

FIGS. 29A and 30A show sleeve (3070) in the distal longitudinalposition. With sleeve (3070) in the distal longitudinal position,lockout member (3080) is in the first rotational position. As best seenin FIG. 30A, with lockout member (3080) in the first rotationalposition, a tab (3086) of lockout member (3080) extends transverselythrough slot (3071) of sleeve (3070). As will be discussed in moredetail below, tab (3086) is configured to limit translation of trocar(3060) relative to tubular casing (310). As sleeve (3070) is driven intothe intermediate longitudinal position, contact between lateral supportmember (3074) of sleeve (3070) and slot (3084) of lockout member (3080)causes rotation of lockout member (3080) into an intermediate rotationalposition as shown in FIGS. 29B and 30B. Finally, as sleeve (3070) isdriven into the proximal longitudinal position, contact between lateralsupport member (3074) of sleeve (3070) and slot (3084) of lockout member(3080) causes rotation of lockout member (3080) into the secondrotational position as shown in FIGS. 29C and 30C. As best seen in FIG.30C, with lockout member (3080) in the second rotational position, tab(3086) of lockout member (3080) is rotated completely into sleeve (3070)such that trocar (3060) has a substantially cylindrical profile.

As shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B, if an operator attempts to proximallyretract trocar (3060) in the absence of anvil (400) or with anvil (400)not properly attached to trocar (3060), tab (3086) of lockout member(3080) is configured to limit proximal translation of trocar (3060). Inparticular, in the absence of anvil (400), sleeve (3070) is biasedtoward the distal longitudinal position via spring (3072) such thatlockout member (3080) is rotated into the first rotational position. Asmentioned above, with lockout member (3080) in the first rotationalposition, tab (3086) of lockout member (3080) extends transverselythrough slot (3071) of sleeve (3070). As shown in FIG. 31B, in the firstrotational position, tab (3086) of lockout member (3080) engages tubularcasing (310) so as to prevent proximal translation of trocar (3060).Alternatively, with anvil (400) properly attached to trocar (3060),lockout member (3080) is driven into the second rotational position suchthat tab (3086) of lockout member (3080) is rotated completely intosleeve (3070) such that trocar (3060) may be further proximallytranslated.

1. Exemplary Circuit Opening Trocar

In some versions of trocar (3060), tab (3086) of lockout member (3080)may be configured to prevent firing of stapling head assembly (300)unless anvil (400) is properly attached to trocar (300). For instance,as shown in FIGS. 32A-33B, if an operator attempts to proximally retracttrocar (3060) in the absence of anvil (400) or with anvil (400) notproperly attached to trocar (3060), tab (3086) of lockout member (3080)is configured to prevent firing of stapling head assembly (300). Inparticular, in the absence of anvil (400), sleeve (3070) is biasedtoward the distal longitudinal position via spring (3072) such thatlockout member (3080) is rotated into the first rotational position. Asmentioned above, with lockout member (3080) in the first rotationalposition, tab (3086) of lockout member (3080) extends transverselythrough slot (3071) of sleeve (3070).

As shown in FIG. 32B, with lockout member (3080) in the first rotationalposition, tab (3086) of lockout member (3080) is configured to engage alongitudinally translatable link member (3090). Link member (3090) isslidably disposed within tubular casing (310) and extends along thelength of shaft assembly (200) into handle assembly (100) such that linkmember (3090) is configured to translate within and relative to tubularcasing (310) and shaft assembly (200). As trocar (3060) is drivenproximally relative to tubular casing (310), engagement between tab(3086) and link member (3090) causes proximal longitudinal translationof link member (3090) as shown in FIG. 32C. As shown in FIGS. 33A and33B, as link member (3090) is translated proximally, a proximal end oflink member (3090) is configured to move a switch (3092) from a closedstate (FIG. 33A) to an open state (FIG. 33B) so as to prevent firing ofstapling head assembly (300). Alternatively, with anvil (400) properlyattached to trocar (3060), lockout member (3080) is driven into thesecond rotational position such that tab (3086) of lockout member (3080)is rotated completely into sleeve (3070) such that trocar (3060) may beproximally retracted without causing proximal longitudinal translationof link member (3090) as shown in FIG. 32D. In the absence of proximallongitudinal translation of link member (3090), switch (3092) remains inthe closed position, permitting firing of stapling head assembly (300).

2. Exemplary Circuit Opening Trocar

In other versions of trocar (3060), translation of sleeve (3070) fromthe distal longitudinal position to the proximal longitudinal positionis configured to drive lockout member (3080) from the second rotationalposition to the first rotational position. In other words, lockoutmember (3080) of the present example operates opposite of lockout member(3080) discussed above in that such versions of trocar (3060), tab(3086) extends transversely through slot (3071) of sleeve (3070) whenanvil (400) is properly secured to trocar (3060). As shown in FIGS.34A-36B, in the absence of anvil (400), sleeve (3070) is biased towardthe distal longitudinal position via spring (3072) such that lockoutmember (3080) is rotated into the second rotational position. In thepresent example, with lockout member (3080) in the second rotationalposition, tab (3086) of lockout member (3080) is rotated completely intosleeve (3070). Alternatively, with anvil (400) properly attached totrocar (3060), lockout member (3080) is driven into the first rotationalposition such that tab (3086) of lockout member (3080) extendstransversely through slot (3071) of sleeve (3070). As shown in FIGS. 34Band 35A, with lockout member (3080) in the first rotational position,tab (3086) of lockout member (3080) is configured to engage alongitudinally translatable link member (3094). Link member (3094) isslidably disposed within tubular casing (310) and extends along thelength of shaft assembly (200) into handle assembly (100) such that linkmember (3094) is configured to translate within and relative to tubularcasing (310) and shaft assembly (200). As trocar (3060) is drivenproximally relative to tubular casing (310), engagement between tab(3086) and link member (3094) causes proximal longitudinal translationof link member (3094) as shown in FIG. 35B. As shown in FIGS. 36A and36B, as link member (3094) is translated proximally, a proximal end oflink member (3094) is configured to move a switch (3096) from an openstate (FIG. 36A) to a closed state (FIG. 36B) so as to permit firing ofstapling head assembly (300). It should be understood that in someversions, switch (3096) may be closed via movement of bracket (500) asdiscussed above in addition to or in lieu of link member (3094).

3. Exemplary Trocar with Contact Switch

In some versions of trocar (3060), tab (3086) of lockout member (3080)may be configured to prevent firing of stapling head assembly (300)unless anvil (400) is properly attached to trocar (300). For instance,as shown in FIGS. 37A and 37B, if an operator attempts to proximallyretract trocar (3060) in the absence of anvil (400) or with anvil (400)not properly attached to trocar (3060), tab (3086) of lockout member(3080) is configured to prevent firing of stapling head assembly (300).In particular, in the absence of anvil (400), sleeve (3070) is biasedtoward the distal longitudinal position via spring (3072) such thatlockout member (3080) is rotated into the first rotational position. Asmentioned above, with lockout member (3080) in the first rotationalposition, tab (3086) of lockout member (3080) extends transverselythrough slot (3071) of sleeve (3070). As shown in FIG. 37B, with lockoutmember (3080) in the first rotational position, tab (3086) of lockoutmember (3080) is configured to engage a contact switch (3098) so as tomove contact switch (3098) from a closed state (FIG. 37A) to an openstate (FIG. 37B) (or vice versa) so as to prevent firing of staplinghead assembly (300). Alternatively, with anvil (400) properly attachedto trocar (3060), lockout member (3080) is driven into the secondrotational position such that tab (3086) of lockout member (3080) isrotated completely into sleeve (3070) such that tab (3086) of lockoutmember (3080) does not engage contact switch (3098) such that contactswitch (3098) remains in the close state to thereby permit firing ofstapling head assembly (300).

4. Exemplary Trocar and Lockout Rod

As discussed above, in some versions of trocar (3060), translation ofsleeve (3070) from the distal longitudinal position to the proximallongitudinal position will drive lockout member (3080) from the secondrotational position to the first rotational position. In other words, insuch versions of trocar (3060), tab (3086) extends transversely throughslot (3071) of sleeve (3070) when anvil (400) is properly secured totrocar (3060). With lockout member (3080) in the first rotationalposition, tab (3086) of lockout member (3080) is configured to engage alongitudinally translatable lockout member (3100). As best seen in FIG.38, lockout member (3100) includes a rigid body (3012) that defines aslot (3104).

As will be discussed in more detail below, lockout member (3100) isconfigured to selectively prevent and permit actuation of triggers (140,150), similar to how bracket (500) selectively prevents and permitsactuation of triggers (140, 150) as discussed above. In particular, slot(3104) of lockout member (3100) is configured to selectively provideclearance for actuation of triggers (140, 150). As shown in FIGS.12A-12E, safety trigger (140) is pivotably coupled with a first uprightmember (144). First upright member (144) is coupled with casing (110)such that first upright member (144) is configured to translate upwardlyin response to pivoting of safety trigger (140) toward pistol grip(112). However, body (3102) of lockout member (3100) is configured toprevent this movement of first upright member (144) and safety trigger(140) by engaging the upper end (146) of first upright member (144).Body (3102) thus blocks movement of first upright member (144) andsafety trigger (140) until lockout member (3100) is moved to a positionwhere slot (3104) is aligned with upper end (146) to thereby provideclearance for upward movement of first upright member (144). It shouldtherefore be understood that safety trigger (140) cannot be pivotedtoward pistol grip (112) until slot (3104) is positioned over upper end(146). When lockout member (3100) is moved to a position to provideclearance for upward movement of first upright member (144), safetytrigger (140) may be pivoted out of the way to permit movement of firingtrigger (150).

Lockout member (3100) is slidably disposed within tubular casing (310)and extends along the length of shaft assembly (200) into handleassembly (100) such that lockout member (3100) is configured totranslate within and relative to tubular casing (310) and shaft assembly(200). As trocar (3060) is driven proximally relative to tubular casing(310), engagement between tab (3086) and lockout member (3100) willcause proximal longitudinal translation of lockout member (3100) from adistal longitudinal position (FIG. 39A) to a proximal longitudinalposition (FIG. 39B), similar to link member (3094) discussed above. Aslockout member (3100) is translated proximally, lockout member (3100) ismoved to a position where slot (3104) is aligned with upper end (146) tothereby provide clearance for upward movement of first upright member(144) as shown in FIG. 39B. When lockout member (3100) is moved to theposition shown in FIG. 39B, slot (3104) provides clearance for upwardmovement of first upright member (144) such that safety trigger (140)may be pivoted out of the way to thereby permit movement of firingtrigger (150).

D. Exemplary Trocar with Integral Switch

FIGS. 40-41B depict another exemplary trocar (3200) that may be readilyincorporated into instrument (10) discussed above in place of trocar(330). Trocar (3200) of this example is configured to operatesubstantially similar to trocars (330, 3060) discussed above except forthe differences discussed below. For instance, trocar (3200) is operableto translate distally and proximally relative to tubular casing (310) inresponse to rotation of knob (130). As will be discussed in more detailbelow, anvil (400) is configured to be attached to trocar (3200) suchthat translation of trocar (3200) relative to tubular casing (310) iscommunicated directly to anvil (400) as described above with referenceto FIGS. 12A-12C.

Trocar (3200) comprises a shaft (3202) and a head (3204). Head (3204)includes a pointed tip (3206) and an inwardly extending proximal surface(208). Shaft (3202) thus provides a reduced outer diameter just proximalto head (3204), with surface (3208) providing a transition between thatreduced outer diameter of shaft (3202) and the outer diameter of head(3204). While tip (3206) is pointed in the present example, tip (3206)is not sharp. Tip (3206) will thus not easily cause trauma to tissue dueto inadvertent contact with tissue. Head (3204) and the distal portionof shaft (3202) are configured for insertion in bore (422) of anvil(400). Proximal surface (3208) and latch shelves (436) havecomplementary positions and configurations such that latch shelves (436)engage proximal surface (3208) when shank (420) of anvil (400) is fullyseated on trocar (3200). Anvil (400) is thus secured to trocar (3200)through a snap fit due to latch members (430).

A sidewall of shaft (3202) of trocar (3200) defines aresilient-cantilevered tab (3210). Tab (3210) is formed in trocar (3200)proximal to head (3204) and includes a portion of surface (3208) at itsdistal end. Tab (3210) is configured to move inwardly and outwardlyrelative to a hollow interior of trocar (3200). A contact switch (3220)is secured to an interior surface of tab (3210). Contact switch (3220)is in communication with a control circuit (not shown) of instrument(10) via a wire (3221), the control circuit being configured to controlfiring of stapling head assembly (300). Contact switch (3220) ispositioned such that as tab (3210) is driven inwardly, contact switch(3220) is actuated via contact with an opposing interior surface oftrocar (3200). In the absence of anvil (400) or with anvil (400) notproperly attached to trocar (3200), tab (3210) is biased outwardly tothe position shown in FIG. 41A such that contact switch (3220) is notactuated. With anvil (400) properly attached to trocar (3200), contactbetween an interior surface of shank (420) of anvil (400) drives tab(3210) inwardly to the position shown in FIG. 41B such that contactswitch (3220) is actuated. In particular, as discussed above, proximalsurface (3208) and latch shelves (436) have complementary positions andconfigurations such that latch shelves (436) engage proximal surface(3208) when shank (420) of anvil (400) is fully seated on trocar (3200).Contact between latch shelves (436) and proximal surface (3208) whenshank (420) of anvil (400) is fully seated on trocar (3200) drives tab(3210) inwardly to the position shown in FIG. 41B such that contactswitch (3220) is actuated. Actuating contact switch (3220) will enablefiring of stapling head assembly (300). When contact switch (3220) isnot actuated, stapling head assembly (300) may not be fired.

E. Exemplary Trocar with Integral Circuit

FIGS. 42-43A depict an exemplary trocar (3300) that may be readilyincorporated into instrument (10) discussed above in place of trocar(330). Trocar (3300) of this example is configured to operatesubstantially similar to trocars (330, 3060, 3200) discussed aboveexcept for the differences discussed below. For instance, trocar (3300)is operable to translate distally and proximally relative to tubularcasing (310) in response to rotation of knob (130). As will be discussedin more detail below, anvil (400) is configured to be attached to trocar(3300) such that translation of trocar (3300) relative to tubular casing(310) is communicated directly to anvil (400) as described above withreference to FIGS. 12A-12C.

Trocar (3300) comprises a shaft (3302) and a head (3304). Head (3304)includes a pointed tip (3306) and an inwardly extending proximal surface(208). Shaft (3302) thus provides a reduced outer diameter just proximalto head (3304), with surface (3308) providing a transition between thatreduced outer diameter of shaft (3302) and the outer diameter of head(3304). While tip (3306) is pointed in the present example, tip (3306)is not sharp. Tip (3306) will thus not easily cause trauma to tissue dueto inadvertent contact with tissue. Head (3304) and the distal portionof shaft (3302) are configured for insertion in bore (422) of anvil(400). Proximal surface (3308) and latch shelves (436) havecomplementary positions and configurations such that latch shelves (436)engage proximal surface (3308) when shank (420) of anvil (400) is fullyseated on trocar (3300). Anvil (400) is thus secured to trocar (3300)through a snap fit due to latch members (430).

Trocar (3300) includes an electrical contact surface (3310) disposedabout a portion of shaft (3302) proximal to head (3304). Contact surface(3310) is in communication with a control circuit (not shown) ofinstrument (10) via a wire (3311), the control circuit being configuredto control firing of stapling head assembly (300). Contact surface(3310) electrically isolated from shaft (3302) of trocar (3300).

Anvil (400) of the present example further includes an electricalcontact surface (3312) that is positioned within shank (420) of anvil(400). Contact surface (3312) is in electrical communication with shank(420) of anvil (400). Contact surfaces (3310, 3312), shaft (3302), shank(420), and wire (3311) are configured to form part of an electricalcircuit that selectively enables firing of stapling head assembly (300).In the absence of anvil (400) or with anvil (400) not properly attachedto trocar (3300), the electrical circuit is in an open state as shown inFIG. 43A because tip (3306) of trocar (3300) is not in contact withcontact surface (3312) of anvil (400). With anvil (400) properlyattached to trocar (3300) as shown in FIG. 43B, tip (3306) of trocar(3300) contacts contact surface (3312) of anvil (400), thus providing apath for electrical continuity between shaft (3302) of trocar (3300) andcontact surface (3312) of anvil (400). In addition, shank (420) contactscontact surface (3310) of trocar (3300), thereby providing a path forelectrical continuity between shank (420) and contact surface (3310).Since shank (420) is also in electrical continuity with contact surface(3312), and since contact surface (3310) is in electrical continuitywith wire (3311), it should be understood that the above describedcontacts provide electrical continuity between shaft (3302) of trocar(3300) and wire (3311) at the stage shown in FIG. 43B. This closes thecircuit that enables stapling head assembly (300) to be fired. Untilthis circuit is closed, stapling head assembly (300) may not be fired.In other words, as in other examples herein, stapling head assembly(300) may not be fired until anvil (400) is fully seated on trocar(3300).

III. Exemplary Trocar with Piercing Features

In some versions of instrument (10) it may desirable to provide trocar(330) with features configured to improve the ability of trocar (330) topierce or penetrate tissue. For instance, it may be desirable to providetrocar (330) with features that are configured to prevent “tenting” ofthe tissue as trocar (330) is pushed through the tissue. Variousexamples of such features will be described in greater detail below;while other examples will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart in view of the teachings herein. Moreover, the following teachingsmay be applied to devices that are used in various other contexts.

FIGS. 44-45B depict an exemplary trocar (3400) that may be readilyincorporated into instrument (10) discussed above in place of trocar(330). Trocar (3400) of this example is configured to operatesubstantially similar to trocars (330, 3060, 3200, 3300) discussed aboveexcept for the differences discussed below. For instance, trocar (3400)is operable to translate distally and proximally relative to tubularcasing (310) in response to rotation of knob (130). In addition, anvil(400) may be attached to trocar (3400) such that translation of trocar(3400) relative to tubular casing (310) is communicated directly toanvil (400) as described above with reference to FIGS. 12A-12C.

Trocar (3400) comprises a shaft (3402) and a head (3404). Head (3404)includes a pointed tip (3406) and an inwardly extending proximal surface(208). Shaft (3402) thus provides a reduced outer diameter just proximalto head (3404), with surface (3408) providing a transition between thatreduced outer diameter of shaft (3402) and the outer diameter of head(3404). While tip (3406) is pointed in the present example, tip (3406)is not sharp. Tip (3406) will thus not easily cause trauma to tissue dueto inadvertent contact with tissue. Head (3404) and the distal portionof shaft (3402) are configured for insertion in bore (422) of anvil(400). Proximal surface (3408) and latch shelves (436) havecomplementary positions and configurations such that latch shelves (436)engage proximal surface (3408) when shank (420) of anvil (400) is fullyseated on trocar (3400). Anvil (400) is thus secured to trocar (3400)through a snap fit due to latch members (430).

Trocar (3400) of the present example further includes a plurality ofribs (3410) extending from an exterior surface of head (3404) along alength of head (3404). Ribs (3410) may be sharp or relatively blunt.Ribs (3410) are configured to improve the ability of trocar (3400) topierce tissue (T) by severing and/or spreading the tissue as trocar(3400) passes through the tissue (T), as shown in FIGS. 45A and 45B. Forinstance, ribs (3410) may be configured to prevent “tenting” of thetissue (T) as trocar (330) pierces and/or penetrates the tissue (T).

IV. Exemplary Combinations

The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in whichthe teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understoodthat the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage ofany claims that may be presented at any time in this application or insubsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. Thefollowing examples are being provided for nothing more than merelyillustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachingsherein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is alsocontemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred toin the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or featuresreferred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitlyindicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor ininterest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in thisapplication or in subsequent filings related to this application thatinclude additional features beyond those referred to below, thoseadditional features shall not be presumed to have been added for anyreason relating to patentability.

EXAMPLE 1

A surgical instrument comprising: (a) a body assembly, wherein the bodyassembly comprises a proximal end and a distal end; (b) a shaftassembly, wherein the shaft assembly extends distally from the distalend of the body assembly, wherein the shaft assembly comprises aproximal end and a distal end; (c) a stapling assembly, wherein thestapling assembly is disposed at the distal end of the shaft assembly,wherein the stapling assembly is operable to drive a plurality ofstaples into tissue, wherein the stapling assembly comprises: (i) atrocar, wherein the trocar is configured to selectively move between adistal position to a proximal position within the shaft assembly, and(ii) an anvil, wherein the anvil is selectively coupleable with thetrocar, wherein the anvil is configured to move between the distalposition and the proximal position when coupled with the trocar; (d) afiring assembly, wherein the firing assembly is coupled with thestapling assembly, wherein the firing assembly is configured to drivemovement of the stapling assembly; and (e) a lockout assembly, whereinthe lockout assembly is configured to permit actuation of the firingassembly in response to coupling of the anvil with the trocar, andwherein the lockout assembly is configured to prevent actuation of thefiring assembly in response to the anvil not being coupled with thetrocar.

EXAMPLE 2

The instrument of Example 1, wherein the lockout assembly comprises aswitch assembly, wherein the switch assembly is configured to permitactuation of the firing assembly in response to actuation of the switchassembly.

EXAMPLE 3

The instrument of Example 2, wherein the anvil is configured to actuatethe switch assembly in response to movement of the anvil toward theproximal position when the anvil is coupled with the trocar.

EXAMPLE 4

The instrument of any one of Examples 2 through 3, wherein the switchassembly comprises an actuator spring, wherein the actuator spring isconfigured to deform to thereby actuate the switch assembly, wherein theanvil is configured to deform the actuator spring in response tomovement of the anvil toward the proximal position when coupled with thetrocar.

EXAMPLE 5

The instrument of any one of Examples 2 through 3, wherein the switchassembly comprises a rotatable actuator, wherein the rotatable actuatoris configured to rotate to thereby actuate the switch assembly, whereinthe anvil is configured to rotate the rotatable actuator in response tomovement of the anvil toward the proximal position when coupled with thetrocar.

EXAMPLE 6

The instrument of Example 1, wherein the trocar comprises the lockoutassembly.

EXAMPLE 7

The instrument of Example 6, wherein the lockout assembly comprises asleeve and a lockout member.

EXAMPLE 8

The instrument of Example 7, wherein the sleeve is translatable along alength of the trocar, wherein the lockout member is rotatably coupledwith the trocar, wherein the sleeve is configured to translate along alength of the trocar to thereby cause rotation of the lockout memberbetween an exposed position and an unexposed position.

EXAMPLE 9

The instrument of Example 8, wherein the anvil is translatable along alength of the trocar, wherein the anvil is configured to translate alonga length of the trocar to thereby cause translation of the sleeve.

EXAMPLE 10

The instrument of any one of Examples 7 through 8, wherein the lockoutassembly further includes a link member, wherein the link member isconfigured to translate within and relative to the shaft assembly,wherein the lockout member is configured to cause translation of a linkmember when the link member is in the exposed position.

EXAMPLE 11

The instrument of Example 10, wherein the link member is configured totranslate to thereby actuate a switch assembly, wherein the switchassembly is configured to permit actuation of the firing assembly inresponse to actuation of the switch assembly.

EXAMPLE 12

The instrument of Example 8, wherein the lockout member is configured toactuate a switch assembly when the lockout member is in the exposedposition, wherein the switch assembly is configured to permit actuationof the firing assembly in response to actuation of the switch assembly.

EXAMPLE 13

The instrument of Example 6, wherein the lockout assembly comprises aswitch assembly, wherein the switch assembly is configured to permitactuation of the firing assembly in response to actuation of the switchassembly.

EXAMPLE 14

The instrument of Example 13, wherein the trocar comprises acantilevered tab, wherein the cantilevered tab is configured to moveinwardly relative to a hollow interior of trocar to thereby actuate theswitch assembly.

EXAMPLE 15

The instrument of Example 14, wherein the anvil is configured to couplewith the trocar to thereby cause inward movement of the cantileveredtab.

EXAMPLE 16

The instrument of Example 6, wherein the lockout assembly comprises anelectrical circuit, wherein the electrical circuit is configured toclose to permit actuation of the firing assembly in response toactuation of the switch assembly.

EXAMPLE 17

The instrument of Example 16, wherein the anvil is configured to couplewith the trocar to thereby close the electrical circuit.

EXAMPLE 18

The instrument of any one of Examples 1 through 17, wherein the trocarcomprises a head defining a distal tip, wherein the trocar comprises aplurality of ribs disposed about the head.

EXAMPLE 19

A surgical instrument comprising: (a) a body assembly, wherein the bodyassembly comprises a proximal end and a distal end; (b) a shaftassembly, wherein the shaft assembly extends distally from the distalend of the body assembly, wherein the shaft assembly comprises aproximal end and a distal end;(c) a stapling assembly, wherein thestapling assembly is disposed at the distal end of the shaft assembly,wherein the stapling assembly is operable to drive a plurality ofstaples into tissue, wherein the stapling assembly comprises: (i) atrocar, wherein the trocar is configured to selectively move between adistal position to a proximal position within the shaft assembly, and(ii) an anvil, wherein the anvil is selectively coupleable with thetrocar, wherein the anvil is configured to move between the distalposition and the proximal position when coupled with the trocar; and (d)a firing assembly, wherein the firing assembly is coupled with thestapling assembly, wherein the firing assembly is configured to drivemovement of the stapling assembly; wherein the trocar comprises alockout assembly, wherein the lockout assembly is configured to permitactuation of the firing assembly in response to coupling of the anvilwith the trocar, and wherein the lockout assembly is configured toprevent actuation of the firing assembly in response to the anvil notbeing coupled with the trocar.

EXAMPLE 20

A surgical instrument comprising: (a) a body assembly, wherein the bodyassembly comprises a proximal end and a distal end; (b) a shaftassembly, wherein the shaft assembly extends distally from the distalend of the body assembly, wherein the shaft assembly comprises aproximal end and a distal end; (c) a stapling assembly, wherein thestapling assembly is disposed at the distal end of the shaft assembly,wherein the stapling assembly is operable to drive a plurality ofstaples into tissue, wherein the stapling assembly comprises: (i) atrocar, wherein the trocar is configured to selectively move between adistal position to a proximal position within the shaft assembly, and(ii) an anvil, wherein the anvil is selectively coupleable with thetrocar, wherein the anvil is configured to move between the distalposition and the proximal position when coupled with the trocar; and (d)a firing assembly, wherein the firing assembly is coupled with thestapling assembly, wherein the firing assembly is configured to drivemovement of the stapling assembly; wherein the trocar comprises alockout member, wherein the lockout member is configure to rotatebetween an exposed position and an unexposed position, wherein thelockout member is configured to permit actuation of the firing assemblywhen in the unexposed position, and wherein the lockout assembly isconfigured to prevent actuation of the firing assembly when in theexposed position.

V. Miscellaneous

It should also be understood that any one or more of the teachings,expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may becombined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions,embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. Theabove-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc.should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other.Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined willbe readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims.

At least some of the teachings herein may be readily combined with oneor more teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 7,794,475, entitled “Surgical StaplesHaving Compressible or Crushable Members for Securing Tissue Therein andStapling Instruments for Deploying the Same,” issued Sep. 14, 2010, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pub. No.2014/0151429, entitled “Trans-Oral Circular Anvil Introduction Systemwith Dilation Feature,” published Jun. 5, 2014, the disclosure of whichis incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pub. No. 2014/0144968,entitled “Surgical Staple with Integral Pledget for Tip Deflection,”published May 29, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pub. No. 2014/0158747, entitled “Surgical Staplerwith Varying Staple Widths along Different Circumferences,” publishedJun. 12, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein; U.S. Pub. No. 2014/0144969, entitled “Pivoting Anvil forSurgical Circular Stapler,” published May 29, 2014, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pub. No. 2014/0151430,entitled “Circular Anvil Introduction System with Alignment Feature,”published Jun. 5, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pub. No. 2014/0166717, entitled “Circular Staplerwith Selectable Motorized and Manual Control, Including a Control Ring,”published Jun. 19, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pub. No. 2014/0166728, entitled “Motor DrivenRotary Input Circular Stapler with Modular End Effector,” published Jun.19, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein;and/or U.S. Pub. No. 2014/0166718, entitled “Motor Driven Rotary InputCircular Stapler with Lockable Flexible Shaft,” published Jun. 19, 2014,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Varioussuitable ways in which such teachings may be combined will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art.

While the examples herein have been provided in the context of acircular stapling instrument, it should be understood that the variousteachings herein may be readily applied to various other kinds ofsurgical instruments. By way of example only, the various teachingsherein may be readily applied to linear stapling devices (e.g.,endocutters). For instance, various teachings herein may be readilycombined with various teachings of U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0239012, entitled“Motor-Driven Surgical Cutting Instrument with Electric ActuatorDirectional Control Assembly,” published Sep. 20, 2012, the disclosureof which is incorporated by reference herein, and/or U.S. Pub. No.2010/0264193, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument with AnArticulatable End Effector,” published Oct. 21, 2010, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein, as will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art. As another merely illustrative example,the various teachings herein may be readily applied to a motorizedelectrosurgical device. For instance, various teachings herein may bereadily combined with various teachings of U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0116379,entitled “Motor Driven Electrosurgical Device with Mechanical andElectrical Feedback,” published May 10, 2012, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein, as will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art. Other suitable kinds of instruments in whichthe teachings herein may be applied, and various ways in which theteachings herein may be applied to such instruments, will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or otherdisclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to beincorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to theextent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existingdefinitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in thisdisclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure asexplicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting materialincorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, thatis said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts withexisting definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forthherein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arisesbetween that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Versions of the devices described above may have application inconventional medical treatments and procedures conducted by a medicalprofessional, as well as application in robotic-assisted medicaltreatments and procedures. By way of example only, various teachingsherein may be readily incorporated into a robotic surgical system suchas the DAVINCI™ system by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., of Sunnyvale,California.

Versions described above may be designed to be disposed of after asingle use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. Versionsmay, in either or both cases, be reconditioned for reuse after at leastone use. Reconditioning may include any combination of the steps ofdisassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement ofparticular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, someversions of the device may be disassembled, and any number of theparticular pieces or parts of the device may be selectively replaced orremoved in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement ofparticular parts, some versions of the device may be reassembled forsubsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a userimmediately prior to a procedure. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety oftechniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use ofsuch techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all withinthe scope of the present application.

By way of example only, versions described herein may be sterilizedbefore and/or after a procedure. In one sterilization technique, thedevice is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic orTYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a field ofradiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation,x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on thedevice and in the container. The sterilized device may then be stored inthe sterile container for later use. A device may also be sterilizedusing any other technique known in the art, including but not limited tobeta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.

Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention,further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may beaccomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill inthe art without departing from the scope of the present invention.Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and otherswill be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, theexamples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps,and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered interms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to thedetails of structure and operation shown and described in thespecification and drawings.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. An apparatus comprising: (a) an end effector,wherein the end effector includes: (i) a first stapling member having aplurality of staple openings that house a plurality of staples, (ii) asecond stapling member having a plurality of staple forming pocketsconfigured to form the staples, wherein the first and second staplingmembers are configured to cooperate to clamp and staple tissue, and(iii) a closure member configured to couple the first stapling memberwith the second stapling member, wherein the closure member isactuatable to transition the end effector from an open state forreceiving tissue to a closed state for clamping tissue; (b) a motoroperatively coupled with the end effector; and (c) a motor lockoutassembly operatively coupled with the motor, wherein the motor lockoutassembly includes: (i) an electrical switch operable to selectivelyinhibit and permit activation of the motor, and (ii) an actuator memberconfigured to actuate the electrical switch, wherein at least a portionof the actuator member is configured to be positioned externally of theclosure member, wherein in response to closure of the end effector bythe closure member, the actuator member is configured to interact withthe electrical switch such that the electrical switch permits activationof the motor.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the electricalswitch is configured to transition between a first state and a secondstate, wherein the electrical switch in the first state is configured toinhibit activation of the motor, wherein the electrical switch in thesecond state is configured to permit activation of the motor, whereinthe electrical switch is configured to assume the second state when theend effector assumes the closed state.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22,wherein the actuator member is configured to actuate the electricalswitch from the first state to the second state in response to closureof the end effector by the closure member.
 24. The apparatus of claim21, wherein the actuator member is configured to move toward theelectrical switch in response closure of the end effector by the closuremember.
 25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the actuator member ismovable from a first position to a second position in response toclosure of the end effector by the closure member, wherein the actuatormember in the second position is configured to actuate the electricalswitch.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the actuator member ismovable transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the end effectorwhen moving between the first and second positions.
 27. The apparatus ofclaim 25, wherein the actuator member is pivotable between the first andsecond positions.
 28. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the actuatormember comprises a resilient member, wherein the second stapling memberis configured to deflect the resilient member in response to closure ofthe end effector.
 29. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the closuremember is translatable relative to the electrical switch and theactuator member.
 30. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the electricalswitch is disposed at a proximal end of the end effector.
 31. Theapparatus of claim 21, wherein the electrical switch comprises a domeswitch.
 32. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the motor lockoutassembly further comprises a translatable sleeve operatively coupledwith the actuator member.
 33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein theactuator member is rotatably coupled with the closure member, whereinthe sleeve is configured to translate along a length of the closuremember to cause rotation of the actuator member between an exposedposition and an unexposed position.
 34. The apparatus of claim 33,further comprising a shaft assembly, wherein the end effector isdisposed at a distal end of the shaft assembly, wherein the motorlockout assembly further includes a link member configured to translatewithin and relative to the shaft assembly, wherein the actuator memberis configured to translatably actuate the link member when the actuatormember is in the exposed position.
 35. The apparatus of claim 34,wherein the link member is translatable to thereby actuate theelectrical switch, wherein the electrical switch is configured to permitactivation of the motor in response to actuation of the electricalswitch.
 36. An apparatus comprising: (a) an end effector, wherein theend effector includes: (i) a first stapling member having a plurality ofstaple openings that house a plurality of staples, (ii) a secondstapling member having a plurality of staple forming pockets configuredto form the staples, wherein the first and second stapling members areconfigured to cooperate to clamp and staple tissue, and (iii) a closuremember configured to couple the first stapling member with the secondstapling member, wherein the closure member is actuatable to transitionthe end effector from an open state for receiving tissue to a closedstate for clamping tissue; (b) a motor operatively coupled with the endeffector; and (c) a motor lockout assembly operatively coupled with themotor, wherein the motor lockout assembly includes: (i) an electricalswitch operable to selectively inhibit and permit activation of themotor, wherein the switch is configured to transition between a firststate in which the electrical switch is configured to inhibit activationof the motor, and a second state in which the electrical switch isconfigured to permit activation of the motor, and (ii) an actuatormember configured to actuate the electrical switch between the first andsecond states, wherein the actuator member is positioned to be directlycontacted by the second stapling member when the end effector advancestoward the closed state, wherein in response to being contacted by thesecond stapling member the actuator member is configured to actuate theelectrical switch from the first state to the second state.
 37. Theapparatus of claim 36, wherein the actuator member is movable from afirst position to a second position in response to being contacted bythe second stapling member, wherein the actuator member in the secondposition is configured to permit the electrical switch to assume thesecond state to permit activation of the motor.
 38. The apparatus ofclaim 36, wherein the second stapling member includes a distal portionand a proximal portion, wherein the actuator member is configured to bedriven from the first position to the second position by the proximalportion.
 39. An apparatus comprising: (a) an end effector, wherein theend effector includes: (i) a first stapling member having a plurality ofstaple openings that house a plurality of staples, (ii) a secondstapling member having a plurality of staple forming pockets configuredto form the staples, wherein the first and second stapling members areconfigured to cooperate to clamp and staple tissue, and (iii) a closuremember configured to couple the first stapling member with the secondstapling member, wherein the closure member is actuatable to transitionthe end effector from an open state for receiving tissue to a closedstate for clamping tissue; (b) a motor operatively coupled with the endeffector; and (c) a motor lockout assembly operatively coupled with themotor, wherein the motor lockout assembly includes: (i) an electricalswitch operable to selectively inhibit and permit activation of themotor, and (ii) a resilient actuator member operable to directly contactand actuate the electrical switch to thereby permit activation of themotor in response to closure of the end effector.
 40. The apparatus ofclaim 39, wherein the closure member is translatable relative to theelectrical switch and the resilient actuator member.